Leader Guide
What in the world are prophets? They were chosen by God to be a spokesperson to deliver His will to the people. The prophets had to draw near to God, hear His voice, and know His will. God calls us to do the same—we need to spend time in the quiet listening for His voice. This week we learned from the prophet Samuel that listening isn’t just about hearing—it's about responding. The prophet Micah summed it up this way: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Samuel models for us how to hear and respond to God's voice, and Micah reminds us of what to do once we’ve heard it.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Are you someone who must fill the silence, or are you ok with silence? Have you ever just wished someone would tell you what God wants you to do about a situation?
Leader: This question can help open the conversation about the tension we feel between wanting quick answers and learning to wait on God’s voice. Some people are uncomfortable with silence—it can feel awkward. But silence is often where God does His clearest work. Maybe you can practice in life group today.
2. Read Deuteronomy 18:18-20. What is the danger of claiming to speak for God? Why do you think people in our day are quick to say, “God told me...”?
Leader: With this great calling from God came great responsibility. God takes His Word seriously. We can help ourselves and others by pointing them back to scripture instead of opinion.
3. Read 1 Samuel 3:1-7. How are things different now versus in times when God’s Word was rare? Why do you think Samuel did not yet know the Lord? Even though we have the Bible, why do you think so many struggle to hear God? How does God’s Word being “rare” in Samuel’s time compare to spiritual dryness we sometimes experience today?
Leader: Maybe Samuel didn’t yet recognize God’s voice because he hadn’t yet experienced Him personally. Today, God’s word is not rare—we have scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the community of believers. But sometimes we act like His voice is rare because we don’t pause to hear Him.
4. Read John 10:27-28, 1 Samuel 3:8. What is one of God’s greatest desires for us? Why is learning to hear the voice of God over always asking others so important? Why do we sometimes prefer to ask others what God wants instead of seeking Him ourselves? What are ways you have learned to discern God’s voice in your own life?
Leader: God desires relationship with us—He doesn’t want us dependent only on spiritual leaders or others to hear Him. Like sheep know their shepherd’s voice, we are invited to recognize His voice personally.
5. Read 1 Samuel 3:9-11. Why would God wait 3 times for Samuel to listen? Can you share a time when God spoke to you in the silence? Have you ever ignored or missed God’s leading the first time? What happened? How can we train ourselves to be more attentive to His voice?
Leader: God is patient as He was with Samuel. He keeps inviting us to respond but does not force us. His persistence shows His love for us and His desire to be known.
6. Action Steps: Slow down this week! Ask God to speak and tell Him you are listening! Spend time in His Word to find the answers instead of always asking someone else.
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read Micah 6:8, 1 Kings 19:11-13. How does this verse connect with what we learn from Samuel? Why is it important that we learn to not only hear God’s voice but to also obey it by living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him? Why do you think God often chooses the “gentle whisper” over the dramatic? How does it compare with the story we just read in 1 Samuel? What distractions make it hardest for you to hear God’s whisper?