Text: 1 Samuel 3

We learned something about sound in our Lesson for All ages. How we can pass a message from one cup to another because of the vibration of the string and the cup. And we know from the study of the human body and sound waves that our ears also perceive those sound waves when they vibrate the ear drum and tiny hairs and bones inside the ear. Then those vibrations are (somehow) converted to an electrical signal that the brain can interpret as sound.

Those different sound waves create different pitches, including intonation in our voices, and song. And then we can respond, harmonizing our own voices, for example, as we just did, or in response to the music or conversation. Or even, as happens at least once a day at my house, because I live near a fire station, the dog will hear a fire engine siren and howl along, joining her own song with the emergency vehicles.

Wavelength and sound vibrations are scientific principles, but we use those ideas to talk about fully understanding. When I say I’m on the same wavelength as someone, it means we’re in tune, which is just another sound and wavelength metaphor for connection and understanding! Vibrating at the same frequency.

I’m sure we’ve all had an experience of talking past someone, or having someone talking past us. It’s super frustrating. For whatever reason, misunderstanding of meaning, not hearing correctly, not hearing properly or just not paying attention. The classic comedy example of this is the “Who’s On First” Abbot and Costello sketch.  (YouTube Link – 0:34-1:07)

In comedy the frustration or awkwardness that comes from this kind of opposite wavelength encounters is funny. In reality it’s just plain frustrating and awkward and confusing.

Samuel is confused. He’s hearing a voice in the night but God is talking right past him. He thinks it’s Eli. And Eli is confused. He thinks it’s nothing. Samuel is probably sleepwalking, which is very common in kids around Eli’s age of 10-12. Until something clicks Eli’s radar or antenna or whatever, is pointed in the right direction and he’s able to instruct Samuel to also dial in to that wavelength and say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

A number of things need to come together for Samuel to finally hear God’s voice and be able to actually listen. And I would argue these conditions that also enable us to hear God’s voice today. Because, remember, “The word of the Lord was rare in that time.” Eli and Samuel are in a place of worship but neither of them, nor anyone else has been getting phone calls from God recently.

First: quiet and stillness, both of the environment and of the heart, mind and body. This is night and Samuel is ready for sleep so it’s naturally quiet and still. And at the same time, the first couple of times he hears the voice of God he pops up and runs out. He’s not prepared to maintain the stillness and wait for more.

Second: an open heart and readiness to respond. A willingness to receive the word of God even when the news is hard or awkward or uncomfortable. Sometimes the word God offers is one of comfort and assurance. Sometimes the word God offers is a call to action or prophecy that may be difficult. 

Third: community. We need mentors, elders, friends, spiritual directors (maybe even pastors!) with whom we can test what we hear. Who can encourage us and point us back toward the calling we’ve heard. Samuel needed Eli to help him understand how to respond to God, to help him open his ears and his heart to God’s wavelength. He also needed Eli’s encouragement to speak the hard truth, even though it was directed at Eli himself. I bet many of us can point to people in our lives who have helped us discern God’s calling on our lives by reflecting our gifts back to us, or by their example of discipleship.

This is not to say that we can’t encounter God and God’s voice in all manner of ways. I know folks for whom running or walking is a way to find that inner stillness they need for tuning in to God, for example. But I do think the basic principles are true. 

I also think we might all agree that “The word of the Lord was rare in that time” is relatable content. I don’t think any of us has had a personal encounter with God. But because we have some of these principles of listening, of attuning ourselves to God’s wavelength, we can still hear God speaking. 

So today we’re going to practice. For just two minutes, we’re going to find some stillness and quiet and open our hearts and minds to listening for God. 

Instructions:

• Find a comfortable position – eyes closed or softly focused
• Begin to breath a little more deeply and slowly – let you breath help you find stillness
• at the sound of the chime we’ll be in silence for two minutes
• If a breath prayer helps, the words that Eli gave to Samuel are: “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” Use those on the inhale and the exhale.
• Another word or phrase that is helpful to you can be a way to return your mind to a still center.
• Distraction is normal and okay. Gently return your attention to your breath or centering words.
• A chime will end the time of quiet and I’ll close with prayer.

Closing Prayer

God of silence and of speaking,

Though it is rare for us to hear you,

still you call to us,

patiently, persistently, 

signalling your love and your invitation.

Open our ears and open our hearts.

That we may respond with wonder and with willingness,

sharing your word with the world.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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