31 August Revd Andy Chislett-McDonald

Calling: Scripture, reflection and prayer.
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1 Samuel 2:2-10 " At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 

Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 

Reflection. How many times does the Holy Spirit have to speak to you and me before we realise that God is calling to us.  How often do we need a wiser, more mature Christian to gently say to us, 'that is the Holy Spirit speaking to you.'  And when we at last get it, do we say unreservedly, 'Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.'

Sometimes Jesus speaks with a 'still, small voice.' Sometimes the Holy Spirit has to shout for me to hear. Who else misses the signs and sounds of our Loving Lord. If so, please don't be too hard on yourself.  We are in fine company. We are like Samuel, and just look what became of him once he responded.

Listen, listen, listen, hear, react and then act on what God says today. 
Prayer.  Speak, Lord  for your servants are listening. In Jesus's name. 
​Amen