Story 31 of 100 · Based on 1 Samuel 3
Samuel Hears God in the Night
Samuel was a boy who helped in the temple of the Lord, near the priest Eli. Eli was old by now, and he could see less and less.
One night, Eli was lying down in his place, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple, where the ark of God was. The lamp of God had not yet gone out.
Suddenly, someone called him.
—Samuel!
—Here I am —Samuel answered, and ran to where Eli was—. Here I am, because you called me.
—I did not call you —Eli said—. Go back to bed.
Samuel went to his bed. And again he heard:
—Samuel!
He ran to Eli again, and again Eli told him that he had not called. But Samuel did not yet know the voice of the Lord.
The Lord called a third time, and Samuel went once more. Then Eli understood that it was God who was calling the boy.
—Go and lie down —Eli told him—. And if he calls you again, say: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
Samuel went back to his bed. The Lord came and called as before:
—Samuel! Samuel!
—Speak, for your servant is listening —Samuel answered.
And God spoke to him. Samuel lay there until morning, and then opened the doors of the temple.
Samuel grew up, and God was with him.
Let's talk: Samuel said, "Speak, Lord, I am listening." What would you say to God before sleeping?
Before you sleep you can say like Samuel: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Goodnight.