Samuel Hears God's Voice

Hannah had prayed for years for a child. She promised God that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate the boy to His service. God answered her prayer, and she named her son Samuel. True to her promise, she brought young Samuel to live at the tabernacle under the priest Eli.

One night, while Samuel was sleeping near the Ark of God, he heard a voice call his name: "Samuel!" He ran to Eli thinking the priest had called. "I did not call," said Eli. "Go lie down." This happened three times. On the third time, Eli realized it was God calling the boy. He told Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if He calls you again, say: Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

When God called again, Samuel answered exactly as Eli told him. God spoke, and Samuel listened carefully. He grew up to be one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history. This story teaches us that God can speak to children, not just to adults. He looks at the heart, not the age. The Coptic Church encourages children to come before God in prayer and to say, just like Samuel: "Speak, Lord — I am listening."