The Jewish scriptures tell us we need prophets and people with vision, and we need to encourage them. Isn’t that still true today?
In the Book of Samuel, which we’re reading today, a young boy Samuel is looking for advice from Eli, an old priest in the temple at Shilo. The old priest is not very good at giving advice. He almost sent Samuel’s mother Hannah away when she came to the temple to pray for a son.
Young Samuel hears God calling in the night but it’s a very indistinct call; he’s a young boy and doesn’t know what to make of it. The old priest Eli doesn’t help much at first. No one’s there, he says, go back to sleep. The temple at Shilo is a sleepy place.
Finally, the old man recognizes God’s calling the young boy. “Go to sleep, and if you are called say ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening'”, he says to the young boy.
Wise advice. Believe that God speaks to you. Believe, even in the night. Listen humbly like a servant. Don’t let the darkness of night or your own small vision dissuade you. God has a mission for you. Listen. Pray.
Be with me today, O Lord. May all I do today begin with you, O Lord. Plant dreams and hopes within my soul, revive my tired spirit, be with me today.May all I do today continue with your help, O Lord. Be at my side and walk with me. Be my support today. May all I do today reach far and wide, O Lord. My thoughts, my work, my life: Make them blessings for your kingdom; Let them go beyond today. Today is new, unlike any other day, for God makes each day different. Today God’s everyday grace falls on my soul like abundant seed, Though I may hardly see it. Today is one of those days Jesus promised to be with me, a companion on my journey. And my life today, if I trust him, has consequences.
“ I have a mission…I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. God has not created me for naught…Therefore I will trust him. What ever, where ever I am, I can never be thrown away. God does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about.” (John Henry Newman)
Our churches can become sleepy places. “Boring, boring” people say.
Speak, Lord, and help us to listen.
The Victor's Place 
Sometimes I feel that our Church’s ritual is a one-size fits all kind of thing. I understand that we are the universal church and we must have the continuity throughout the world. But we do need to bring more love and enthusiasm in other ways, in order to attract the ones that have left and the new ones that are coming in!
Dear Lord, we need to get out of the way, listen to You , and open the doors to Your will. This is Your Church, my God! You should have the lead!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for posting “Be With Me Today, O Lord”, my daily prayer that covers from morning to end of day… my special verse … ‘revive my tired spirit’.
LikeLiked by 1 person