A six-week series on a lifestyle of Here I Am
No. 4 Samuel
1 Samuel 3
Summary. Hannah was barren. In her distress, she cried out to the Lord for a son. The Lord remembered her and gave her a son named Samuel, which means God has heard. As promised, Hannah lent Samuel to the service of the Lord for all of his days. Samuel lived in the temple with Eli, the priest. In those days, the word of the Lord of scarce, and visions were not frequent. Eli himself was losing his eyesight, and his sons did not follow in the way of the Lord. God began to raise up a new generation of listeners and seers. He called out, “Samuel!” The young boy responded, “Here I am,” and went to Eli. But Eli sent him back. This happened three times. After the third time, Eli realized that it was The LORD calling Samuel and instructed him on how to respond. Samuel then replied, “Speak, for your servant hears.” So began a relationship between Samuel and the Lord. Samuel grew. The Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. He was established as a prophet and served as a priest, seer, and judge for Israel. He remained faithful to the Lord’s words even when it was painful. Like Eli, Samuel’s sons did not serve God. One of the highlights of Samuel’s life was anointing David as king and mentoring him along the way.
Highlights and Prayers from from 1 Samuel
- Samuel was lent to the service of the Lord as long as he lived (1 Samuel 1:11 & 27-28)
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for hearing our prayers and fulfilling your words. It is a joy to be at your service all of our days. May our lives be “about the Father’s business.” We are crucified with Christ and now live by faith in the Son of God. We are yours! (Luke 2:49, Galatians 2:20)
- When Samuel came to the temple, the Lord was rare, there was no frequent vision, and the priest’s eyesight was growing dim. God was training a new generation to hear and see.
Prayer: Do it again, God of Jacob. We lend these days to the kingdom of heaven. Raise up a generation that seeks you, hears you, and follows hard after you. A pure generation that ascends your holy hill, devoted to you. Let your word and visions be poured out on a people whose faces are set on you. (Psalm 24, Joel 2, Acts 2)
- Samuel heard the Lord call but responded to Eli.
Prayer: Your sheep know your voice, Lord. As we grow and as our children grow, let us respond to you. Let us respond rightly to you. Thank you for mentors and teachers that help us along the way!
- Samuel grew in the Lord, and the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh (which means rest).
Prayer: We come to you, Jesus. Not from might or power, but in resting. Like children, we clothe ourselves in humility, take your yoke, and come to learn from you. May we never say I’ve learned enough or that we are in need of nothing. Holy Spirit, help us grow in wisdom and stature and favor. More Lord! (Matthew 11, Luke 2, Revelation 3)
- Samuel faithfully served Israel as seer, priest, prophet, and judge. His time as a judge was marked by powerful demonstrations from the ark/presence of God.
Prayer: You are searching for people whose hearts are wholehearted towards you, God, so that you can show up strong on their behalf. We set our hearts on you. We set our love on you. Transform us into your faithful image. If you say go, we will go. If you’re not going, we’re not going. In step with you, tempered to you, hot on your heels following you. (2 Chronicles 16:9, Ruth 1, Hosea 6)
Prayer: Jesus, we want to be a generation that exalts you to the highest place. May our lives be powerful demonstrations of your presence.
- Samuel got to anoint David, a man after God’s heart, as king.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see the ones that carry the heart of God. Give us hearts to empower and equip each other in the kingdom. Give us hearts of unity to honor our brothers and sisters and to see our need for each other. Together, we are one body, in one Spirit, one faith, and one hope. (1 Corinthians 12)
- BONUS: I find it interesting that both Eli and Samuel’s sons did not follow after God. I know that is a relatable pain and concern for many of us. So, here is a bonus prayer.
Jesus, we acknowledge that unless you build the house, we labor in vain. And we declare today that as for our houses, we serve the Lord! Be the center! We surrender our families to you. Teach us to love one another. Let the prodigals come home, that our families will be long lines of faithful Jesus lovers built on the Cornerstone. Amen!
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