Daily Devotional · 1 Samuel 3:1–10
Speak, Lord, Your Servant Is Listening
Reflection
Samuel was a young boy serving in the temple under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, and visions were not widespread. Against that backdrop of spiritual silence, God spoke. In the night, Samuel heard his name called. He ran to Eli: "Here I am; you called me." Eli said he hadn't called — go back to bed. This happened twice more. Three times the boy heard his name; three times he ran to the wrong person. Eli finally understood what was happening. "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" Eli, for all his failures as a father, knew enough about the voice of God to recognize what was happening to the boy in his care. God called again: "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered as he had been taught: "Speak, for your servant is listening." What follows was not a comfortable message. God told Samuel what He was about to do to Eli's household because of his sons' wickedness and Eli's failure to restrain them. The first word Samuel received from God was a word of judgment — not comfort. The morning came, and Samuel was afraid to tell Eli. But Eli asked, and Samuel told him everything. Eli received the word with painful dignity: "He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes." Learning to hear God's voice requires the guidance of someone further along, the courage to receive what He says, and the willingness to report it honestly.
Background
The phrase "the word of the Lord was rare in those days" places Samuel's calling against a backdrop of spiritual drought. The period of the Judges had produced moral and spiritual chaos, and the priesthood under Eli was corrupt. Samuel's call represented a new era of prophetic ministry — his entire life would be characterized by listening to God and speaking truthfully to Israel's leadership.
Truth
Hearing God's voice is often learned, not instant. Samuel needed to be told who was speaking before he could respond rightly. Having a spiritual mentor who can say "that might be God — go back and listen" is invaluable in the formation of a life of prayer.
Application
Practice Samuel's posture today: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Set aside 15 minutes of actual silence — not talking to God, but listening. Bring a journal. Write down what comes to you. You may need to try this multiple times before you hear clearly, just like Samuel.