Samuel Hears God’s Voice

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1–10
Listen: 1 Samuel 3

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. June’s focus is being still before God.

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

Israel has drifted far from God. The word of the Lord is rare, and visions have nearly ceased (1 Samuel 3:1). Eli the priest is old, and his sons serve as corrupt priests—abusing their position and dishonoring God (1 Samuel 2:12–17). God has warned Eli that judgment is coming on his family because of their sin (1 Samuel 2:27–36). Spiritual darkness has settled over Israel. Yet God is about to raise up a young prophet who will call his people back to him. It begins with a boy willing to listen.

We, too, can miss God’s voice when life is loud or our hearts are distracted. Like young Samuel, we may not always recognize when God is speaking. But Samuel’s response gives us a posture for prayer: Speak, for your servant is listening. Being still before God means coming to him with an open heart—ready to hear what he wants to say. God speaks to us today primarily through his Word, the Bible. When we slow down, read Scripture, and ask God to speak, we position ourselves to hear him. Listening is a learned practice. The more we do it, the better we recognize his voice.

PRAYER DAY #33: This week, we’ve been praying Paul’s prayer for overflowing, insightful, and reflective love. One way we gain insight in prayer is by slowing down to be still before God. Before you open your Bible today, pray Samuel’s prayer: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then read it slowly, asking God to show you something specific about himself or your life.