“And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” – 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
🌙 A Young Boy, A Calling God
It was night in the tabernacle. The lamps of God still burned, and a young boy named Samuel lay asleep near the Ark of the Covenant. He didn’t know that he was about to hear the voice of God for the very first time.
Three times, Samuel heard his name. Each time he ran to Eli, thinking the priest had called him. But Eli realized what was happening: “The Lord is calling the boy.”
On the fourth call, Samuel responded in one of the most profound prayers in Scripture: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” It was not a request for miracles, protection, or blessing. It was a prayer of availability and surrender: “I’m listening. I’m ready.”
🗣️ God Still Speaks
We live in a noisy world. Alerts, notifications, headlines, opinions—so much to hear, so little space to listen. But God still speaks. The question is: Are we still listening?
God speaks in different ways:
- 📖 Through His Word – “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- 📖 Through His Spirit – “He will teach you all things…” (John 14:26)
- 📖 Through circumstances, people, dreams, and creation – “The heavens declare the glory of God…” (Psalm 19:1)
Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice at first. That gives us hope. Even if we’ve missed His call before, He will call again. His voice is patient, persistent, and personal.
👂 The Posture of Listening
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” Samuel teaches us the right posture for hearing God:
- 🙇 Humility – “I’m Your servant.” Listening begins with surrender.
- 👂 Readiness – “I hear.” A willingness to not only hear, but obey.
- 🕊️ Clarity – He waited for God’s word before acting.
Many want to hear from God to gain information. Few want to hear from God to gain instruction. Samuel was ready to follow whatever God said.
📖 Biblical Echoes of “Speak, Lord”
Samuel wasn’t the only one called by name:
- 📖 Moses heard his name from the burning bush: “Moses, Moses” (Exodus 3:4).
- 📖 Saul heard his name on the road to Damascus: “Saul, Saul” (Acts 9:4).
- 📖 Mary heard her name at the empty tomb: “Mary” (John 20:16).
Every time, God called personally. God still speaks your name. He desires a living conversation with you.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. God Still Calls Ordinary People
Samuel was a child, asleep, unnoticed by the world—but noticed by God. You don’t have to be famous, experienced, or perfect to hear His voice. Be available.
2. Listening Is More Than Hearing
True listening leads to action. It’s the posture of a disciple: “Whatever You say, Lord, I will do.”
3. Silence Doesn’t Mean Absence
The call of God often comes in unexpected moments. If Heaven seems silent, stay near the Ark like Samuel. Stay close to the Word. Stay ready. God speaks to those who stay close.
🪞 Reflection and Application
- Have I created space in my life to hear God’s voice?
- Am I asking God to speak—but only about what I want to hear?
- What would change if my prayer became, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears”?
🛐 Prayer
Speak, Lord. I am listening. Quiet the noise of the world around me and the noise within me. Teach me to hear not just with my ears, but with my heart. I am Your servant. Whatever You say, I will obey. Thank You for calling my name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
The Voice of the Cross — Luke 23:34, 46; Hebrews 12:24
What is the most powerful word God has ever spoken? In the next post, we’ll kneel at Calvary and hear the voice of Jesus—speaking forgiveness, surrender, and ultimate victory through the cross.
