Prayer, prophecy, listening to God and answering his call are all strong themes of Samuel's birth and early life. A great opportunity to share examples of God's answers to prayer.

Saul - strong, courageous and handsome - worldly attributes so admired! His was a life of both success and failure, reflecting his obedience (or lack of it) in God.

The way David was sought out by Samuel and anointed as the next king is a wonderful example of how he looks on the heart, not on outward appearance. A lesson we all need to take on board!