Speak, Lord

The Story

Samuel was just a boy when he went to live at the house of the Lord in Shiloh. His mother, Hannah, had prayed for him for years, and she gave him to the Lord’s service. He grew up helping the old priest Eli.

In those days, the Bible says, “the word of the LORD was precious.” God rarely spoke, and visions were uncommon.

One night, Samuel was lying down near the ark of God, and the lamp of God had not yet gone out. Then he heard a voice call his name: “Samuel.”

He ran to Eli. “Here am I; for thou calledst me.”

Eli said, “I called not; lie down again.”

It happened a second time, and a third. Each time, Samuel ran to Eli. He didn’t yet know the Lord’s voice.

By the third time, Eli understood. The Lord was calling the boy. So he told Samuel what to do: go lie down, and if He calls you again, say, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.”

The Lord came and stood and called, as before, “Samuel, Samuel.”

And Samuel answered, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

That night began a lifetime of listening. The Bible says the Lord was with Samuel as he grew, and let none of his words fall to the ground.

Reflection