Speak Lord, for Thy Servant Heareth

In old times, Hannah was one woman in the land of Israel. Her husband, Hilkanah, loved her very much, but Hannah did not have any children, so she was sad. One day Hannah prayed to God and said, "If you will give me a son, I will give him back to you for his whole life." God heard her prayer, and gave her a son. She called his name Samuel. Hannah kept her promise, and gave this son to God. She did this joyfully, and she gave him to Eli, the high priest in the temple.

Year by year she took clothes for him. Hannah prayed for Samuel as he worked for God from childhood. But, he did not know God. But God loved Samuel and wanted to show Himself to Samuel. In the temple the candles burned while Samuel and Eli slept. When Samuel was asleep, God called to him. Samuel went to Eli because he thought Eli had called him. Eli said, "I did not call you. Go back to sleep." Samuel went back to bed. For the second time, God called him, and again Samuel went to Eli. Eli said, "I did not call you. Go back and lie down." The third time God called him and again he went to Eli. Eli then advised him that if he heard the voice again, Samuel should say, "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." And God came and stood by Samuel, and called him as before. Then Samuel said, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant heareth." At that time God spoke with him, and from that time Samuel knew God. He knew the Lord from childhood and he was working for God. After he grew up, he became a prophet, and he did great work for God.

My brethren, God who loved Samuel loves you. He Who heard Hannah's prayer, hears your prayers. The Lord who knew Samuel's name knows yours. But maybe you say, "How do you know that God loves me and knows my name?" In the old times, in Samuel's time, all the Bible was not written, so God Himself spoke with Samuel. But today God speaks to His children through the Bible. So you should hurry to know God's Word and to read it. When you read it, if you say like Samuel, "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth," you will come to know God. God will speak with you through the Holy Bible. Our Lord Jesus Christ says in REVELATION 3:20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me." If you obey and open your heart, you will be one of God's children, and you will be like Samuel.