Learning to Hear Him
Samuel’s story reminds us that the Lord speaks to young people who are willing to listen.
The world is loud.
Phones are loud.
Social media is loud.
Music, videos, opinions, pressure, school, sports, messages, and worries can fill almost every quiet space.
And when life is always loud, it can be harder to hear the voice of the Lord.
Samuel’s story begins in a quiet moment.
He was still young, serving in the tabernacle under Eli the priest. One night, Samuel heard someone call his name. He thought it was Eli, so he ran to him and said, “Here am I.”
But Eli had not called him.
It happened again. And then again.
Finally, Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel. He told Samuel what to say the next time he heard the voice:
“Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”
—1 Samuel 3:9
When the Lord called again, Samuel answered:
“Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
—1 Samuel 3:10
There are a few things every teen should notice about this story.
First, Samuel was young when the Lord called him. That means God does not wait until you are older to speak to you. He can guide you now.
Second, Samuel did not recognize the Lord’s voice at first. That means learning to hear Him takes practice. You are not failing just because you are still learning.
Third, Samuel needed Eli’s help. Sometimes parents, leaders, teachers, scriptures, patriarchal blessings, and trusted people can help us recognize what the Lord may be trying to tell us.
And fourth, Samuel had to be willing to listen.
That may be the biggest lesson.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time asking the Lord to hear us. And He does. But discipleship also means learning to hear Him.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.”
He also invited us to find quiet places, pour out our hearts to Heavenly Father, and then listen.
The Lord still speaks.
He may speak through the Holy Ghost, scriptures, repeated thoughts, quiet feelings, inspired leaders, parents, or moments of peace and direction.
The question is not only whether God is willing to speak.
The question is whether we are creating space to listen.
Today’s Challenge
After one prayer this week, do not rush away.
Pause for one quiet minute and ask:
“Lord, what would Thou have me hear or do?”
Then write down one thought, feeling, scripture, or prompting that comes — and choose one small way to act on it.
Closing Thought
Samuel’s life changed because he listened and responded.
The Lord knows your name too. He can guide you, teach you, warn you, comfort you, and lead you.
This week, make room to hear Him.
Want help teaching this week’s Come Follow Me lesson to teens? Get the full Study & Teaching Guide and weekly resources at:
