I’m writing over at Proverbs 31 Ministries today and thought I’d share it with you too! This version has bonus content.
I was combing the tangles out of the freshly shampooed hair of one of my favorite six-year-olds. We chatted about important things such as our favorite song in Frozen, do dogs go to heaven, and which is the prettiest color—pink or purple. Then her mother called to her from another room. She didn’t answer.
“Your mom’s calling you,” I nudged.
“That’s OK,” she shrugged. “Sometimes I just don’t answer.”
I stopped mid-comb swipe. Seems we had some knots of a different nature to untangle.
After our “discussion” about listening to and obeying parents, she skipped off and left me to untangle a few thoughts in my own heart. Those words, “Sometimes I just don’t answer” weighed heavy on my heart like a waterlogged sweater. When it comes to listening to my heavenly Father, do I sometimes ignore the gentle nudges? Do I act like I didn’t hear Him and skip off to go about my business?
Sometimes I just don’t answer.
When the prophet Samuel was a young boy, he learned about answering when God called his. name. He was serving in the temple with Eli at the time. The older man had gone to sleep when the LORD called out to Samuel… twice. Both times Samuel thought it was Eli calling, but was assured it wasn’t.
A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. (1 Samuel 3:1-11)
I haven’t heard God speak to me audibly, but He does speak to me through Scripture, prayer, creation, circumstances and godly people. The Bible says, “For God does speak—now one way, now another…” (Job 33:14 NIV). The question is not, does God speak, but do I listen? Do I answer when He calls?
The Hebrew word for Bible is mikra or miqra, which means the calling out of God. He calls out to us from the pages of His Word. Not only that, He calls out to us by name! “I [God] have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 ESV).
Jacob, Jacob (Genesis 14:1-4). Moses, Moses (Exodus 3:4). Simon, Simon (Luke 22:31). Martha, Martha (Luke 10:41). And yes, Sharon, Sharon. And yes, YOU!
So today, when we feel the gentle nudge, hear the gentle whisper in our hearts, let’s say, “Speak, for your servant is listening. I hear You. I will do what You say.”
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I ignore You calling my name. Forgive me when I ignore the truths in Your Word because they conflict with what the culture is telling me. Help me to listen quickly and obey completely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Let’s rest in these words of Jesus today: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. “Matthew 13:16 NIV
I’d love to hear from you! If you’ll join me in committing to answer when God speaks to your heart and listen to what He has to say the leave a comment and say, “Speak Lord, for Your servant it listening.”
Digging Deeper
One of the ways God speaks to me is through prayer. As I pray for others, I sense His gentle nudges. But sometimes we don’t know what to pray. That’s when we can pray God’s Word. When we pray the Word of God, we pray the Will of God.
Prayer is simply opening the storehouse of heaven for lavish blessings He wants to give. It’s the conduit through which God’s power is released, and His will is brought to earth as it is in heaven. Check put these two powerful resources, Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe and Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe, for a 30-day guided to Scripture Based Prayer. And if you’re a grandmother, you can use Praying for Your Child to pray for those precious grands.
Comments 56
Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
Yes. Very good word. There are so many distractions. Lord please reset my button thats gets me on track that I may hear your voice and annswer when you call..
Thank you, this cause me to pause for a minute in my office. It was a very sweet time because when i said speak Lord I heard the Lord in such a sweet way call, Wanda, Wanda.
Thank you
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Precious!
Speak Lord for your servant is listening
Thank you Lord for enabling me to pray for my children and grandchildren every day. I find it refreshing and feel they are protected. Sharon thanks for the message.
Lord, speak for your servant is listening.
Thank you, Father, and thank you, Sharon.
My husband is in a rehab hospital now and I ask that the Lord will speak to the people who will care for him, and that my husband will listen too as each day brings challenges and courage.
Blessings always in all ways.
Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening! Thank you for this Word from God. My small had this discussion just last week. I think this next week I will share some of this with them. May God richly bless you for all ways you bless others.
I want to be more aware of God calling me, nudging me in His direction. I pray my heart stays open, listening and willing in obedience. May I be sensitive to your call & leading, dear Lord. May I recognize Your plan for me in Your Word, in daily devotions, in friends or strangers or circumstances. May my heart always be listening and alert.
I have been using the book, Praying For Your Husband From Head to Toe, since 2014. It is just remarkable how God has used this in his life (and mine) to mold him to be more like Christ and to “cover” him and direct his steps in ways that honor and glorify God.
I highly recommend this book to any wife who desires to see her husband “suceed” in God’s eyes.
Prayer, is powerful. And Praying scripture back to God is the most powerful way to pray.
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That warms my heart!
Sharon,
I sure do miss you and your girlfriends!
I hope you are all well.
Love in Christ,
Teddie ONeill
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Hey Teddie! I’m not going anywhere! I’m right here!
Your book, Praying for your Children from head to toe, has been such an inspiration for me as a grandmother! It guides my prayers daily as I pray for both my adult children and grandchildren. Thank you for blessing us with this book!
Author
Thank you! Please tell your friends about it!
Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.
I could feel your gentle thoughtfulness as you penned these words today. What a relaxing way to start my day. I just wanted to say, “Thank you, for listening to the Holy Spirit as He guided you in writing this devotion. It was so-o beautifully written and reminded me to take time to listen for His still small voice today.
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Thank you. What sweet encouragement!
Speak Lord, your servant is listening❤️ I am so thankful for this devotional today and the hands that wrote it, YOU and your servant Sharon. 🙂 Speak Lord to Your servants Maren & Kayla (and me). Thank you Sharon for all you do to encourage us out here in “waiting land”. Thank you Jesus!!! ❤️🐒🦗🐴
Speak Lord, your servant is listening❤️ I am so thankful for this devotional today and the hands that wrote it, YOU and your servant Sharon. 🙂 Speak Lord to Your servants Maren & Kayla (and me). Thank you Sharon for all you do to encourage us out here in “waiting land”. Thank you Jesus!!! ❤️🐒🦗🐴
Speak Lord, Speak to me, Thank you Jesus for me being able to recognize your voice therefore I will always listen to you.
Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Guide my every step today. Show me how to bring You glory in this day.
May the words of my mouth & meditation of my heart be acceptable to You.
This is me so many years later as a child of God and still learning to hear his voice. Sometimes I find it so hard to recognize in all the busy chaos of life. But he does speak. Give me eyes to see you and hear your voice, Lord. And to do what you say.
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening
Speak Lord, and teach me as only you can. Walk with my husband, children & grands that they may be strong in integrity & bring you glory hearing your voice louder than others & obeying you.
Lord, speak for your servant is listening.
Speak Lord your servant is listening
What a mighty good food for thought this morning.
Thank you
When I don’t answer, its usually because I’ve put Jesus on a shelf. Lord, help me with that moment by moment…good read Sharon. TY
You not the only one. LORD help me hear and listen when you speak. And do what you ask me to do. In Jesus name
Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.
We have an Early Bible Class on Wednesday mornings where I attend church. We are studying the book of 1 Samuel. This past Wednesday we were in the 3rd chapter where God spoke to Samuel. You brought out a couple of things I hadn’t thought of. Thank you Sharon for all you do in God’s Kingdom!!!
Speak Lord for your servant is listening. This is something because last night I was just looking at a movie about Samuel and now this morning you are talking about it. Lord I’m listening speak to your servant. I receive these words in the mighty name of Jesus.
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!
I have had the Lord speak to me on several occasions especially after being in prayer and asking Him what to do in several different circumstances. Thank you Lord that you guided and directed me in each situation!
Thank you Sharon for your ministry!
God Bless you all 💟✝️
Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening.
Thank you Sharon. Your messages often speak to me and are an encouragement!
Speak Lord for your servant is listening. ✝️
Speak Lord for your servant is listening. I pray for the Lord to continue to lead and guide me in his direction. I pray for continued peace so I can hear when he speaks. To be still and know that I am God. He is moving in such a mighty way in m life and I am so grateful.
Wow! Once again, just what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you Sharon for what you do!
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
A couple weeks ago I was startled awake by a clear loud call of “Mommy”. I have two adult children. My daughter still calls me Mommy and lives at home, my son no longer calls me mommy. However I realized I was sleeping after I awoke and saw no one in my room. I told my husband about it. He said wow, scary.
This morning I was startled awake by a loud clear call of my name in a man’s voice and not my husband. “Darlene!” I jumped to consciousness aware I was coming from sleep. I lay there a few minutes to calm down.
I thought about whether this was scary or am I being reached out too. I still feel a bit physically anxious.
Today, Sharon, I received your message in my inbox.
I am listening. Lord, help me hear what you want. I want to be your servant. I want to trust enough to just say I will be. I am aware you are here with me. I serve you through my love and care of others but I know I don’t fully commit to what YOU want of me, the things I don’t answer to. Help me be brave enough to be your servant, More committed. Help me listen and know. In the name of your son Lord Jesus. Amen
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Tune my ears to hear and recognize your voice!!
Speak Lord for your servant is listening! Thanks Sharon, this is what I needed. I’m trying to listen to the Lord and do what He wants me to do. I start doing it and then I get worried and stop. I need to remember it’s in His hands. I need to listen not to worry or talk.
What a blessing you are, Thanks Sharon.
the timing of this message is PERFECT! My family is transitioning to another state. This means new jobs, environment, church, & all of the things that come along with moves out of state to an unfamiliar place. So, we need to hear from God & obey Him even if we don’t have all of the details. Speak Lord! Your servants are listening!
Speak Lord I am always listening. Thank you for this beautiful website,Sharon, You are a blessing every email.
Speak Lord, your servant is listening@
Speak Lord, your servant is listening
Speak Lord for your servant is trying her best to listen. Blocking out the noise of the world is so difficult. Especially facing major life changes. Praying I will have the beats to hear and the discernment to know the difference. ✝️🙏🏻
I began my daily devotion this morning by reading your thoughts. Thank you for your inspiring words that nudge me gently along the right path. “Speak Lord, for Your servant it listening.” God’s peace, Larry
I’ve been praying how I can be God’s hands and feet by volunteering in a ministry. After attending a luncheon today, God spoke clearly that this ministry was the one! I praise Him for this!
Hi Sharon,
Today is my Birthday! I read your article “Speak Lord your servant is listening”.
This has really encouraged me today, I have been praying for God’s guidance & to be a useful vessel for Him.
May God bless you & use you all the more.
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Happy birthday🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Speak Lord for your servant is listening
Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening
Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!
Speak Lord your servant is listening
Speak Lord your servant is listening may I hear your words and not my own thoughts
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!
Two main thoughts jumped out at me with this wonderful devotion – a reminder that God gave us 2 ears, 1 mouth so that we listen more than talk, and also how throughout Biblical history, God and Jesus both repeated his children’s names. Unusual and significant.
Thank you for listening and writing devotionals “nudged” by God.
By the way, I too miss GIG!
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I’m still here!