The past weeks I have spent time reflecting on the God’s call to Samuel (1 Samuel 3.1 – 4.1). I have  become more and more impressed with the richness of this portion of Scripture and the direction and encouragement it can offer us today. Last Sunday I shared a few of my thoughts with a congregation not too far from me and this morning I would like to share a thought with you.

While neither Samuel nor Eli initially recognize God’s call, after Eli does, he is able to provide the correct direction to Samuel and Samuel faithfully (is he “full” of faith yet) and obediently follows Eli’s direction.

Samuel echos Eli’s words, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3.10). Eugene Peterson renders this, “Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen” in The Message.

What captured my attention were the two pairs – Lord/Servant and Speak/Listen.

Samuel is told to put himself in the correct relation to God as his Lord and himself as servant. Than communication opens with the servant listening and the Lord speaking.

I have wondered before and now again, if often some of us (especially me) get this out of balance. Do I come to God in prayer with the attitude, “Your servant is speaking; listen Lord”?

I do not mean to say we should always be silent but maybe if we begin in silence and with the acknowledgement of ourselves as God’s servant, prayer, and our entire lives, might proceed in the proper way.

Your thoughts?
Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}