“The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 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 3:1-10 NIV
Lord who calls,
A young boy given to serve in the Temple by his mother with the agreement of his father . . . awoken in the night . . . runs to the one he serves and obediently says, “Here I am.” waiting for instructions. Would I have done that? Or would I have groaned and muttered under my breath about needing sleep! And when I was small, I was a little afraid of the dark.
But there have been times when I have wanted to really hear You speak as Samuel did. And wished You would write directions down so I could be sure of following properly. Samuel learned to be open to hearing You. Eli told him how to respond. When we need to hear You God, we need to let You know we are listening. Not for Your sake – because even before a word is on our tongue you already know it. (Psalm 139:4). But for ourselves to turn ourselves to listening mode and give You time and opportunity to get through to us.
The other morning I awoke and said out loud, ‘do not worry or be afraid’. And later I understood why You reminded me in advance to keep me calm. You seem to delight in finding new ways to speak to us. It is not always after hours of silence or meditation or prayer time. But we do need to have openness to You and open our spiritual senses and rest our mouths. Speak Lord Your servants are listening . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 17th April 2025
A new song to me but I find the prayer in its lyrics just right for today.
When You speak, confusion fades
Just a word and suddenly I’m not afraid
‘Cause You speak and freedom reigns
There is hope in every single word You say
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
Quiet my heart, I’m listening
When sorrows roar and troubles rage
You whisper peace
When I don’t have the words to say
I won’t lose hope
When storms won’t break
You keep Your word
Oh, and Your promises will keep me safe
Chorus . . .
Your ways are higher, You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus, You see what I cannot see
Your ways are higher, You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus, You see what I cannot see
Chorus . . . Repeat . . .
Lyrics: Benji Cowart, Chris Mcclarney, Josh Thomas Bronleewe.