Please feel welcome to study this week’s lesson with us. There are bible passages to read, activity sheets to work on and stories to listen to. Lots of other things to do at home during the week, too, are included.

In times together and times apart, we are in community with the whole people of God.

The Season after the Epiphany offers us a time to explore a call from our old habits and into a fresh start. This week, as hear the call of Samuel that comes unexpectedly in the deep of night, we wonder about the call of God to us today.

January 17 – Coming through the Night

1 Samuel 3:1–20 God calls Samuel to guide the people toward self-reflection, repentance, and honesty.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1–20 or Listen to the audio story “A Letter from Samuel” or gather around as someone tells the story “Samuel Hears a Voice” that is in this week’s children’s activity leaflet.

1 Samuel 3:1–20 challenges individuals of all ages to respond to God’s presence and God’s call, even while learning to recognize it. It pushes us to listen to new messengers and to carry God’s message in new ways.

  • Talk about the times when you just wanted to go back to bed. What called you to get up anyway?
  • Invite each family member to share times when they have felt called to do ministry.

A prayer of listening In 1 Samuel 3:1–10, a young person says, “Speak, God, I am ready to listen.” This sort of communion with God is less common for many people than the type of prayer that involves talking instead of hearing.Spend a moment listening to God by sitting with your feet on the floor, your body in a comfortable position, and your eyes closed. As you inhale, say to yourself, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” As you exhale, be still. You may sense the voice of God or experience a quiet calm. On your next inhale, repeat the phrase.On a sheet of paper, complete this sentence: When I listen for God, I ____.

Print this week’s children’s activity leaflet, which includes the story “Samuel Hears a Voice,” an activity, and a song.

Watch and listen to the story, The Boy Who Finally Listened. What changed when the boy finally listened?What changed for Samuel when he was ready to listen?

During the week

• 1 Samuel 3:1–20 pushes us to listen to new messengers and to carry God’s message in new ways. Reflect on the ministry to which you have been called?

Play the song “Here in this Ordinary Place” throughout the week until everyone is joining in. (Available here for purchase and download.)

Visit Lection Connection, January 17, for current events that connect with this week’s scriptures.

Prayer for each day

Familiar God,
you know us and love us.
We offer our thanks and praise for your infinite and tender love. We are grateful to be known by you. Amen.

Seasons of the SpiritTM SeasonsFusion • After the Epiphany 2021