Look back:  Read back over 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 and remember God answers the prayer of Hannah, reversing her state and foreshadowing the salvation he will bring to Israel through its judgment.

Look ahead: This coming Sunday, Pastor Michael will be preaching from 1 Samuel 2:12-36. Read the passage several times during the week with your family.

Ask: What was the root of the problem of Eli's sons? (v. 12). How does that compare with Samuel? (v. 26). How does this foreshadow Jesus? (see Luke 2:52). 

Pray: Adoration: Praise God for his goodness and grace. Confession: Confess any sin that your reading in 2 Samuel brings to mind. Thanksgiving: Give thanks for your family. Supplication: Pray for yourself and your family to walk in holiness for the glory of God. 

Sing: Visit the blog for this week's music. You can also find our music playlists on Spotify. Start learning our new song of confession "Lord Have Mercy" we're introducing this month. "Grace" by CityAlight is a recent favorite we are singing as well. 

Monthly Missions Focus: Click here to learn about our monthly missions focus (St. Paul - Minneapolis).

Catechize: (New City Question 51)
Q:
Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension?
A: Christ is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father and also sends us his Spirit.

From Sunday School August 14:

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Younger Preschool: The temple was a place where God was with His people and people could worship God. When we trust in Jesus, He forgives us and is always with us, ready to help us.
  • Kids: The temple was a place where God met with His people. The people could go there to make sacrifices and worship God. Today, when we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go. We can look to Him for forgiveness and help.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What is mercy? Mercy is when God does not give us the punishment that we deserve. 
  • Kids: What is mercy? Mercy is when God does not give us the punishment that we deserve.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: The Lord is a kind and loving God. Exodus 34:6
  • Kids: The LORD—the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Exodus 34:6-7

** Next week: Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom (1 Kings 10–12)