Samuel heard the voice of the Lord, but he did not recognize it at first. He needed Eli to tell him it was the Lord. Sometimes we, too, need help to discern the voice of God in our lives. It is then that He provides us with an Eli, to direct us to listen to God’s voice. When God speaks to us we need to have the same willingness to listen that Samuel had. God speaks to us in many different ways. He speaks to us first through His Word. When we pick up our Bibles to read, let us echo the words of Samuel, "Speak, for your servant is listening." When we enter into His Word with such an attitude, what precious things we will hear! God may speak to us through a sermon, or a book or even through one of His children. Let us always be receptive to His voice, no matter what the source. May we, like Samuel, have a listening ear and a submissive heart.

Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the many boisterous sounds that assault them each day. Give me Samuel’s sweet spirit and let me like him be quick to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Let me hear you speaking to my heart. Let me get used to the sound of your voice, may it be a familiar voice, one that I never tire of. As each day goes by, may the sounds of this earth grow dimmer and dimmer that I may hear with clarity your sweet voice. Amen