Samuel slept in the temple under the glow of lantern light.
As he dozed, a voice rang out clearly through the quiet place.
-Samuel, Samuel, -it called.
He awoke with a start and ran to Eli the high priest, thinking he had summoned him.
-I did not call, -Eli replied.- Go back and sleep.
But again the voice was heard. Three times it came, and three times Eli discerned Samuel was hearing the voice of God.
Trembling, Samuel answered,
-Speak, your servant is listening.
From that moment on, Samuel was prophet in Israel. He would lead God's people with justice, deliver messages both good and ill, and anoint the first kings of the land.
All from that blessed night he first heard the call of the Lord.
