Week 5: Prayer is talking…. And listening to God

When hearing his name being called in the middle of the night, Samuel approached Eli and asked
what he needed. Eventually, Samuel and Eli realized that God was the one calling him. Samuel
then talked and listened to what God had to say.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

1 Samuel 3
Samuel

When Eli and Samuel were sleeping by the ark, God called out to Samuel. Samuel responded by saying “Here I am,” thinking it was Eli that called him. But Eli told Samuel that he did not call him, so he went back to lay down. When God called out to Samuel again, Samuel returned to Eli and said “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli told Samuel, “My son, I did not call, go back and lie down.” So Samuel went back to his resting spot. When God called out “Samuel” a third time, Eli realized that it was God calling him. Eli told Samuel “Go ahead and lie down, and if he calls you, say ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel listened to Eli’s instructions—so when the Lord called out to Samuel again, Samuel said “Speak, for your servant is listening.” God told Samuel that because Eli had not restrained his sons from blaspheming God, “the guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned by sacrifice or offering.” The next morning, Eli wanted to know what God said to Samuel. Even though Samuel was hesitant, he told Eli the everything God shared with him. Eli responded by saying “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” The Lord continued to be with Samuel the rest of his life and was recognized as a prophet.

Samuel shows us how when we pray to God, we need to talk and listen to Him. If Samuel only talked or talked over God’s voice, he would have no idea what God wanted from him. The same goes for us today! If we do not take the time to listen to God when we pray, we will not be able to hear His voice. We can listen to God’s voice by being still and quiet before God, as well as reading and praying His word. When we talk and listen to God when we pray, we will continue to grow in our relationship with Him.

I can talk and listen to God when I pray.

 

Questions to think about:

1. How can I listen to God when I pray?
2. Are there any hesitations I feel about actually hearing from God?
3. Describe a time where you listened to God and heard His voice.