Preschool Bible Lesson (1 Samuel 1:4-28) When Hannah Prayed

Use this lesson plan to teach preschoolers and younger children about prayer. It’s based on the story where God answers Hannah’s prayer for a child. Please modify this Bible lesson to best fit your Sunday School class. We always welcome your comments and feedback. Don’t miss our alternate lesson plan for older children on the Birth and Calling of Samuel 

Lesson Title: When Hannah Prayed
Bible Reference: 1 Samuel 1:4-28 // 1 Samuel 1:9-20
Target Age Group: Preschool
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: One Hour
Image Credits: Sweet Publishing 

Optional Coloring Sheets: 1 Samuel Bible Coloring Page

Memory Verse: “She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him.’” 1 Samuel 1:20b

Gospel Connection: In this passage we learn about Hannah, who wants a son more than anything in life.  She has faith that the Lord will hear her and answer her prayers.  She vows to give her son, whom she loves more than anything in the world to the Lord if blesses her with a son.  When Samuel is born she allows him to be raised in the Temple.  From this story we learn that Hannah had faith in God to answer her prayers and to care for her beloved son.  We also see a woman who was willing to give everything to the Lord.

Learning Aim: 

1. Children will learn that God hears their prayers.
2. Children will learn that God wants us to give Him everything and that he will bless us when we give him everything. 

Basic Supply List:

1. Bible
2. Ball
3. Construction Paper
4. Markers
5. Tape or Stapler

Note: In the teaching plan below the words in italics are meant to be read aloud. The regular text is simply directions for the teacher.

“Hannah’s Prayer” Lesson for Preschoolers

Introduction:  Begin the lesson by greeting the children and welcoming them to church.  Ask them what they want more than anything else in life.  Emphasize that they could ask for anything.  After each child has had an opportunity to share, tell them that today we will be learning about Hannah.  Hannah wanted a son more than anything in the world.  When God gave her a son, she gave the son back to God.  Hannah understood that God loved her very much and she wanted to thank him.

Biblical Evidence: Read the first part of the story, 1 Samuel 1:4-9 to the class.  Say, Hannah had a problem.  She had wanted a son for many years, but she did not have a son.  She was so upset that she cried all the time and refused to eat.  Sometimes, we might feel like crying because we don’t get our way, but there is a better way to handle this this kind of situation.  Let’s see what happens next.

Read verses 10-20.  Say, Hannah prays for her son.  She knows that if anyone can help her, it is God.  She is even willing to give her son to the Lord if she has him.  Hannah believed that God would answer her if she prayed. This doesn’t mean that God will give us everything that we pray for, but it does mean that he always hears us.  Hannah has her son and names him Samuel. 

Read verses 21-28. Say, Hannah follows through and gives her son to God.  He is raised in the temple and is an important part of God’s plan for the world.  God gave Hannah her son, and she gave everything that was important to her back to God.  God wants us to do this as well.  What can you give back to God?

Alphabet Givers: As a class, create an alphabet book of things that they can give God.  Have all of the kids create one page of the book.  For example they could give Allegiance for A, Blessings for B, Clapping for C, etc.  Let the kids be creative and see what they come up with.  Allow them to illustrate the book and bind it with tape or staples.  Keep it in your classroom for the kids to enjoy each week. 

Sky Ball:  This game encourages kids to continuously give up the ball.  Give each child a number.  Throw the ball into the air and call out one of the numbers.  That child must run into the middle of the circle and catch the ball.  They then must call out another number and that child will have a turn catching the ball.

Sunday School Review Game:

Use this game to review the story.  Have all of the children sit in a circle.  When you ask a question, throw the ball to one child and they must answer the question.  If they do not know the answer they can throw the ball to a friend for help.

1. What did Hannah want? A son.
2. How was Hannah acting before she was given a son? She was crying and refused to eat.
3. Who did she ask for a son?  God
4. What did she name her son? Samuel
5. What does Samuel mean?  ‘Because I asked the Lord for him.’
6. What did Hannah promise the Lord, if she had a son? She promised to give him to the Lord and have them raised in the Temple. 
7. Did Hannah do what she promised? Yes.
8. What can we give to God?  Answer will vary.

Closing: Close the lesson by praying with the children.  Remind them that God always hears their prayers and encourage them to give God their best.