Speak LORD for Your servant is listening.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:9, NIV- “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.”

Three times God called out to Samuel and Samuel did not know it was God. Samuel was just laying in bed and knew he was being called and yet he thought Eli was calling him and he ran to him. Eli was first to realize it was the LORD calling out to Samuel, so he told him to go and lie down and say “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”

Year’s earlier, Samuel’s mother, kept praying in her heart and pouring out her soul to the LORD as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:13-15 because she was in distress from being barren. Later in 1 Samuel 2:1, Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD.”  Sometimes we pray to God and sometimes He shows up and speaks to us where we are. We can pray in distress and rejoicing.

Just as Samuel, we may be confused at first, but we too can learn to listen. We can speak Samuel’s words ourselves, “speak LORD for Your servant is listening.

God speaks to us in many ways. Just this morning, as I was praying to God, I was unsettled about the story of Ruth and Samuel. As God does work, my bible study just happened to land me in Ruth and 1 Samuel this morning. As I reviewed the story of Ruth, I knew that I too am richly rewarded by the LORD as Boaz spoke to Ruth in Ruth 2:12. The LORD does reward us for faithfulness.

I was also reminded to be thankful by 1 Samuel 2:4, “The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.” (NIV) What breaks us and makes us stumble are what brings us to the point of pouring our souls out to the LORD and listening with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

We learn to trust that “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.” 2 Samuel 2:7, NIV. The LORD pours into us so we can pour out for Him. The LORD speaks and we find life by listening. Will you ask the LORD to speak to you today and trust that He will have You hear what He desires?

Today’s Prayer: LORD God of Israel, we humble ourselves before You. Speak for Your servants are listening. As we pour our hearts out before You, we pray You speak into our hearts and souls to do what You require. Please grant us the hearts, souls, minds, and ears to hear. Please LORD arm our hearts, minds, and souls for Your purposes so that You are exalted. Thank You LORD for speaking to us. Thank you for receiving the prayers of our hearts. Amen.