1 Samuel 1:9 to 1:20; 3:1 to 3:10 God hears the heartfelt prayers of his people and calls young servants who listen with ready hearts: "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears." Learn how Hannah poured out her grief in faithful prayer to God. Discover how God called young Samuel three times in the tabernacle. Practice cultivating a quiet, listening heart to hear God's Word. At Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, the priest Eli was growing old and his sons were corrupt. God was looking for a faithful leader who would listen to his voice. Hannah's Weeping Prayer at Shiloh Every year, a woman named Hannah went to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Her heart was heavy because she had no children, and others mocked her. One day, Hannah knelt before the Lord and wept bitterly, moving her lips in silent prayer: "O Lord, if you will remember me and give your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life." The old priest Eli saw her and blessed her. God remembered Hannah, and she gave birth to a baby boy named [Samuel](/bible/explorer/person/samuel), which means "heard by God." A Voice in the Night When Samuel was a boy, Hannah fulfilled her promise and brought him to serve God under Eli in Shiloh. One night, the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down near the Ark of the Covenant. Suddenly, a voice called through the stillness: "Samuel! Samuel!" Thinking Eli had called him, Samuel ran to Eli's bedside: "Here I am; you called me." But Eli answered: "I did not call; lie down again." This happened three times! Speak, Lord, for Your Servant Hears Eli finally realized that the Lord was calling the boy. He instructed Samuel: "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, Speak, Lord, for your servant hears." Samuel lay down again. The Lord came, stood, and called: "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered with a willing heart: "Speak, for your servant hears." From that night on, Samuel grew as a trusted prophet whose words never fell to the ground. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel said, Speak, for your servant hears. 1 Samuel 3:10 What did Hannah promise to God if he gave her a son? She would dedicate him to serve the Lord all his life She would build a golden altar She would move to Egypt She would buy five hundred sheep She would dedicate him to serve the Lord all his life 1 Samuel 1:11 records Hannah vowing to give her child to the Lord. How many times did God call Samuel before Eli realized who was calling? Three times Once only Seven times Twenty times Three times 1 Samuel 3:8 tells us the Lord called Samuel a third time before Eli understood. What did Samuel reply when the Lord called his name the fourth time? Speak, for your servant hears Who is there? I am trying to sleep Eli sent me Speak, for your servant hears 1 Samuel 3:10 records Samuel's famous response of obedient listening. Set aside ten minutes before bed tonight to be completely still without electronics, praying: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Lord God, you hear the quietest whisper of our hearts just as you heard Hannah's prayer. Give me a listening heart like young Samuel. Help me to tune out the noise of the world so I can hear your truth and obey your voice with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why is it sometimes hard to hear God's voice in our busy, noisy lives today? How does God speak to us today (through the Bible, prayer, and wise parents)? Explorers learn that God answers persistent prayer and speaks to those who cultivate a humble, listening posture. Whisper a secret message across the room. Ask students how hard it is to hear a whisper when everyone is talking. Explain that God often speaks in a gentle whisper! Does God still speak in an audible voice today? God primarily speaks to us today through the Bible (Hebrews 1:1 to 2) and guides our conscience through the Holy Spirit. 5 min Hook & Whisper Exercise, 12 min Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 5 min Quiz