Sacred Memory Series: Listening for God
Samantha Bassett of Greenwood, NY, USA
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” -1 Samuel 3:10
I was blessed to be able to go to women’s retreat last weekend. Our guest speaker talked to us about mindfulness-listening to what is going on around you and being in the moment with God and others around you. I’ve been trying to take time to listen, to just be quiet and hear what is happening around me. After being asked to serve in a new way, I sat quietly and asked God to show me the path I should take, to lead me in the direction God wanted me to go. This story came to mind: “Here I am, speak Lord, I am listening.”
Samuel, though only a boy, heard God’s voice. He was listening. He didn’t realize that it was God until he was told by Eli. Although Eli was a priest, he didn’t realize what was happening when Samuel first came to him either. It took him three times to understand. Have you heard God calling you? Were you able to realize that it was God? Or, did you have to hear it a few times before understanding the call? Did someone have to point it out to you? Have you ever had an idea and thought, “Oh!” Then perhaps life happened, and you forgot that idea. Has that idea ever come back to you? Maybe this is God speaking to you.
Have you had an idea that you followed through with? I was once on the receiving end of an idea like this. My angel that day was a friend who told me she just kept hearing my name in her head and felt moved to give me the gift she did. I’m so glad she heard God’s voice and listened!
You may never know how much you have blessed someone by doing something for them. It may be something big, but it could be something very small also. Don’t think that what you can do isn’t enough. It is! Don’t think that God couldn’t possibly want you to do something. I’ll bet God especially wants you to do it.
Prayer Phrase
“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Spiritual Practice
Sacred Memory
Spend time journaling or reflecting on significant memories that have shaped your life. Allow the following questions to guide you: What memories from your life impact how you encounter and respond to the world around you today? When has sacred memory in you become a path into the future?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
