READ 1 Samuel 3
The Lord speaks directly to Samuel, and all Israel recognizes Samuel as a prophet.

INSIGHT
For all the glory of speaking directly with the Lord, Samuel is given a very difficult task:
He must deliver to Eli a troubling message from the Lord. With a pure heart and nothing
to gain or lose by the encounter, Samuel tells Eli the truth. We too must sometimes
confront people with truth, knowing that the truth will hurt. Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to
speak the truth in love. Speaking the truth without love is destructive. Samuel’s example
is a difficult one but a good one. Like Samuel, we can only fulfill such a task if our hearts
are pure and we do not manipulate the situation for our own benefit.

PRAYER
Because we can know the truth and the truth can set us free, offer your praise to the Lord:
I exalt you, my God the King,
And bless your name forever and ever.  
I will bless you every day;
I will praise your name forever and ever.  
The Lord is great and is highly praised;  
His greatness is unsearchable.  
One generation will declare your works to the next
And will proclaim your mighty acts.
(Psalm 145:1-4).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
“I deserted you for a brief moment,  
But I will take you back with abundant compassion.
In a surge of anger
I hid my face from you for a moment,
But I will have compassion on you
With everlasting love,”  
Says the Lord your Redeemer
(Isaiah 54:7-8).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
See! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and eat with him,
And he with me (Revelation 3:20).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater love for your family
• The work of missions in North and South America
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself
And God our Father, who has loved us
And given us eternal encouragement
And good hope by grace,
Encourage your hearts and strengthen you
In every good work and word
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).