Speak, I’m Listening

Read

1 Samuel 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"

Think

Imagine two ways of having a conversation. In the first, you keep talking and talking and never let the other person get a word in. In the second, you say a little, and then you stop and really listen to what they have to say. Which one is a real conversation? The second one, of course. Listening is a huge part of it.

This is the big moment of the whole story. God called Samuel one more time, and this time Samuel was ready. He said the words Eli taught him: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” And with those words, everything changed. Finally, Samuel was ready to hear.

Look closely at what Samuel said, because it is a wonderful way to talk to God. He did not say, “Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking.” He said the opposite. “Speak, Lord. I am the one listening.” He got quiet and let God do the talking.

A lot of the time, our prayers are mostly us talking. And that is good. God loves to hear from us. But Samuel reminds us that prayer also means listening. Sometimes the best thing we can pray is, “God, I’m going to be quiet now. What do you want to say to me?”

Here is the bridge to your life. This whole month we have been learning to hear God. Samuel shows us the heart that makes it possible. A listening heart. A heart that says, “I’m ready. Speak. I’m paying attention.” That is the heart God loves to speak to.

So try praying like Samuel. After you tell God the things you want to say, stop and be still for a moment. Say, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.” Then pay attention to the good, true thoughts God brings to your mind, or remember a Bible verse you know. That is a real way God speaks, and it is worth slowing down for.

One important thing to remember. Listening for God does not mean waiting to hear a loud voice in your ears. God almost never speaks that way. More often it is a quiet nudge in your heart toward something kind or right, a Bible verse that pops into your mind, or a gentle reminder of something true. It starts the same way it did for Samuel, with a heart that stops and says, “I’m listening.”

Apply

Pray like Samuel – In your prayer today, after you say your usual words, add Samuel’s words: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Then be still and notice any kind or godly thought God brings to mind, or a Bible verse you remember.

Pray

God, teach me to listen like Samuel did. Instead of only talking, help me be still and pay attention to your Bible and the good thoughts you give me. Give me a heart that is ready to hear you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.