“Speak, Lord, Your Servant Listens.”¹

During the time when the high priest, Eli, was the judge of Israel, a baby boy was born. The baby’s name was Samuel, which means “God has heard.” Samuel’s mother Hannah gave him that name because for many years she had been unable to have children. She prayed that God would give her children, and God heard and answered her prayers. In thankfulness for this special gift, Hannah promised God that when Samuel was old enough, she would take him to serve God with Eli, the high priest.

One night, after Samuel went to live with Eli, while he was sleeping, Samuel heard a voice calling him. He woke up and ran to where Eli slept. “Here I am,” he said, because he thought that Eli had called him. But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

Two more times Samuel heard the same voice and ran to see the elderly priest. Eli then realized that God wanted to talk to Samuel, and told Samuel to return to his bed and how to respond the next time he heard the voice. When God called Samuel again, he sat up in his bed and answered, “Speak, Lord. As Your servant, I am listening” (1 Samuel 3:10, paraphrased). God spoke to Samuel with an important message.

When Samuel grew up, he became a judge to the people and one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

You can read this story in 1 Samuel chapter 3.

Footnote:
¹ 1 Samuel 3:10