Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)

Theme: Human receptivity in times of divine silence

Exegetical Note
This well-known account of Samuel’s eventual response to God’s persistent but misperceived call is rich in possibilities, not the least of which is its claim that the event occurred in days when "the word of the Lord was rare" (RSV) and visions either infrequent or nonexistent.

Call to Worship
Leader: People of God, let us be receptive to the voice of God, for it may come at the most unexpected times and places.
People: OUR EARS, OUR MINDS, OUR HEARTS ARE OPEN!
Leader: And let us be responsive to the voice of God whenever and wherever it is heard.
People: WE ARE READY TO RESPOND WITH THE BOY SAMUEL: "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS."

Collect
O God of revelation, who called the…