This Bible study focuses on Hannah (1 Samuel).
(Supplies: newsprint, tape, and a marker.) Tape a piece of newsprint to the wall. Ask kids to call out events that happen consistently regardless of circumstances. For example, the sun always rises, and people always get wet in the shower.
When you’ve compiled a list, *ask: What would life be like if nothing was ever the same? What’s one area of your life that feels consistent? What’s one area of your life that doesn’t feel consistent? How does that area of inconsistency affect you?
Persevering Prayer
(Supplies: Bibles.) *Say: God wants us to be consistent in our prayer lives. Even though it may be hard for us to believe, God is listening to our prayers and will answer them at the right time
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Ask several volunteers to read aloud 1 Samuel 1:1-20, a verse at a time. Then have teenagers form groups of four and answer these questions: Explain why Peninnah and Hannah weren’t getting along. Both Peninnah and Hannah were discontent—how did the two women deal with their unhappiness? What did Hannah learn from this life trial? Why did Hannah feel so much better after her time of prayer? What can we earn from Hannah’s prayer? Why does God want us to be consistent in our prayer life?
Now You See It...
(Supplies: Bibles, paper, and pencils.) *Say: Hannah prayed for many years before God answered her prayer and gave her a son. During this time of waiting, she probably wondered if God was listening to her. Sometimes it’s hard to pray because we feel like we’re talking to a blank wall or we don’t even know how to approach God.
Take kids outside to look at the moon. If you’re meeting during the day and the moon isn’t visible, point out where the moon will be visible in several hours.
*Ask: No matter what the moon’s shape appears to be on any given night, how do you know what its actual shape is? Is there anything hindering you from seeing the moon? If so, what? If you can’t see the moon, how do you know it’s there?
*Say: Even when the moon appears to be gone, we know by experience and knowledge that it’s still there and it always will be there. The fact that the moon exists isn’t based on what we can see. In the same way, I encourage you to believe God is listening to your prayers even when you can’t sense God.
Give each person a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Ask kids to each find a place by themselves and read 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Then instruct them to paraphrase or rewrite Hannah’s prayer in their own words. After 10 minutes, gather everyone and ask for volunteers to read aloud their prayers as a closing activity.