25/09/2026
“SPEAK, LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING”
“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9
Samuel was still young when God called him. He heard a voice, but he did not immediately recognise that it was the Lord speaking. Eli eventually understood what was happening and instructed Samuel how to respond: “Go and lie down; and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’”
This is more than a prayer for guidance—it is a posture of surrender.
GOD IS STILL CALLING
Samuel lived in a time when “the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1), yet God still chose to speak.
Sometimes we may feel that God is silent, distant, or that our circumstances are too difficult to understand. But silence does not mean God has abandoned us. We must learn to become still, open His Word, pray, and listen.
The question is not only, “Lord, are You speaking?”
The deeper question is:
“Lord, am I willing to listen—and obey?”
LISTENING REQUIRES SURRENDER
Samuel did not say, “Speak, Lord, and I will decide whether I agree.”
He said:
“Your servant is listening.”
A servant has a surrendered heart.
We cannot truly follow Jesus while insisting that He only speak what we want to hear. The Gospel calls us to repentance, obedience, holiness, and complete surrender to Christ.
Jesus said:
“If you love me, keep my commands.” — John 14:15
God’s voice will never contradict His written Word. Therefore, we must test what we hear against Scripture and allow God’s truth—not our emotions, desires, or circumstances—to shape our lives.
THE GREATEST CALL IS THE CALL TO FOLLOW JESUS
Before asking God, “What is my purpose?” we should first respond to His greatest invitation:
Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe the Gospel. Follow Him.
Jesus calls every person to Himself.
“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15
The voice of God is not calling us merely to become better people. He calls us to salvation through Jesus Christ.
If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, today can be the day you respond.
A HEART THAT SAYS YES
Samuel’s response teaches us the attitude every disciple should carry:
“Speak, Lord.”
“Your servant.”
“I am listening.”
Lord, speak into my fears.
Speak into my plans.
Speak into my family.
Speak into my ministry.
Speak into my future.
Speak into the areas I have been trying to control.
And when You speak, give me the courage to obey.
Because hearing God’s voice without obedience changes nothing.
PRAYER
Father, speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Open my spiritual ears to hear Your truth and give me a heart that is willing to obey. Remove every distraction, fear, pride, and desire that keeps me from following You. Help me recognise Your voice through Your Word and faithfully respond to Your calling.
Above everything else, draw people to Jesus Christ. Give us boldness to proclaim the Gospel, compassion for the lost, and courage to make disciples. May our lives say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
“SPEAK, LORD. YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING.”
Not my will. Your will.
Not my way. Your way.
Not my glory. Your glory.
