At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 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, 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.
And the LORD called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose 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.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose 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 hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
1 Samuel 3:2-9
LORD, I thank You today for raising up people in my life to help me discern when You are speaking to me. From the time before I knew You, before You revealed Yourself to me, You have put people in my life who connected the dots for me, sharing Your good news with me, urging me to come and become part of Your family. It was they who pointed me towards You, encouraging me to listen for Your voice. They helped me discern who I have been called to be in You. And because of their faithfulness I have You in my life! I thank You for them! I thank You that even now, when Your voice is lost in the noise of life, You give me people who love my soul enough to point me towards Your will for my life. Even now You raise up folks who love me enough to hold me accountable! It blows my mind to think that they may not even see well in their own lives. Yet, You prick their conscience and open up to them what I don’t see in my life, enabling me to align my will to Your will and satisfy Your purposes for me. And my soul rejoices that in partnership with them, You do the same with me! Oh, that You would use me today the same way that You use others to be blessing to me! That is my heartfelt prayer, LORD. That I might help someone come closer to You even as others have done so for me. Use me, LORD, that Christ might be glorified in all things in my life, in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!