Day 5 — Speak, Lord

“Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’”

— 1 Samuel 3:10 (BSB)

Samuel was just a boy when his mother, Hannah, brought him to live at the house of God. She had prayed for years for a son, and when God answered, she promised Samuel would serve the Lord his whole life. So Samuel grew up helping the old priest, Eli.

In those days, the Bible says, “the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). God wasn’t speaking to people very often.

One night, Samuel was lying down to sleep when he heard someone call his name: “Samuel!” He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am! You called me.” But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

It happened again. And again. Three times! Finally Eli realized what was going on. It was God calling the boy! So Eli told Samuel, “If He calls you again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’”

Samuel went back to bed. And the LORD came and called, “Samuel! Samuel!” This time Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

And God spoke to him. That night was the beginning of Samuel’s life as a prophet. The Bible says, “Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 3:19). He became one of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history.

God spoke to a kid. And He can speak to you too.

How does God speak today? Mostly through His Word, the Bible. When you read it, God is speaking to you. He also speaks through the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit, through wise people like parents and pastors, and through prayer.

But notice Samuel’s answer: “Your servant is listening.” A lot of our prayers are us talking and talking. That’s good! But God wants us to listen too. And Samuel called himself God’s servant, which means he was ready to do what God said.

Think about it: How do you think God might want to speak to you right now?

Try this: Before you read your Bible today, pray Samuel’s prayer: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” Then read slowly and quietly, listening for what God wants to tell you.

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Thank You that You speak to kids, just like You spoke to Samuel. Help me hear Your voice when I read Your Word, and give me a heart ready to obey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.