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Years ago, I spoke at a Missions Conference and a missionary there gave me a guide for prayer that ended with—listening. For years I kept that guide in my Bible. So simple, yet such a great reminder that meaningful conversation is both speaking and listening. We are taught that in the Old Testament. 

1 Samuel 3:10
And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 

In theology, it’s called anthropomorphism—a big word that simply means “ascribing human characteristics to God.” The all-powerful, eternal God reveals himself to us in his Word, in language we can grasp. 

From our passage today, notice the way God explains how he communicates with his people:

• He came. Religion is man’s attempt to get to God. But the heavenly Father always comes to where we are. The Lord came to Samuel and called out to him. 

• He stood. I love this picture! Standing shows God’s patience. The eternal God stands and waits for us to hear and respond.

• He speaks. We can hear the voice of the living God! Not audibly as Samuel did, but in our spirits through his Spirit. Sometimes it is through a gentle whisper.

• He calls our name. God communicates with us intimately and personally. He called Samuel by name. God knew Samuel and wanted to have a conversation with him. 

We need to listen. Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” The more we listen, the more we hear God’s voice! 

Father, remind us that communication is a two-way street. Prayer—talking to you—is not simply us telling you our wish list. Communication is both speaking and listening. Help us say, like Samuel, “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.