The Voice, part 2—Lessons from Samuel
Welcome to our series, The Voice: Listening for God in the Day to Day. We will be learning to tune into God in the midst of our noisy lives. This week, Pastor Pete Stearns focused on the moment Samuel began listening to God’s voice.
Ice Breaker: Who are the people whose voices you immediately recognize when you hear it? Why their voice is so familiar to you?
1.Do you believe you have ever “heard from God”? If so, talk about this with your group.
2. How do you hear God’s voice? In other words, in what times, places, or activities are you more open to hearing God?
3. Is hearing the voice of God something you are skeptical about? If you feel comfortable, share any pushback or questions you may have.
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-7.
4. In verse 7, what do you think it means that “Samuel did not yet know the Lord”?
Read 1 Samuel 3:8-10.
5. Pay careful attention to verse 10. What in this verse stands out to you about this interaction between Samuel and the Lord?
6. How do you think God’s relationship with Samuel changed once Samuel became attuned God’s voice?
7. In his sermon this week, Pete discussed the following points about our ability to hear the voice of God. Read through them and choose one to discuss. Which of these is most compelling or challenging for you?
We cannot worship idols and listen to God at the same time.
The voice of God is not a tool to achieve what we “see fit.”
If we want to hear God’s voice, we must come to know God’s voice.
When we listen to God in the ordinary, we tune our ears to hear God in the extraordinary.
When we hear God’s voice we must stop, surrender, and listen.
8. Discuss some ordinary moments in your daily life where you can become more open to hearing God. How can you be more intentional about listening for God in these moments this week?
Listening Tips from Pastor Fil
Keep in mind that sometimes we don’t hear what we aren’t listening for. Pray for God’s help in being attentive to His still, small voice this week! Here are some practical tips from Fil:
Create time and space for listening. Even five minutes a day—disconnect from everything, turn off all devices, tune out the noise, and sit beneath God’s loving gaze.
Read Scripture slowly. Read a short passage and ask, “Lord, what word is for me today?”
Notice the beauty in creation: the rustling leaves, the breeze flowing through the trees, the shape and movement of the clouds.
Listen to people. Simply listen without thinking about your response.
Be patient and avoid rushing to fill the quiet.
A Prayer for Listening for God
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. You don’t need to strain to hear Him. You don’t have to force anything to happen. Just wait. Be present and open to God.
Maybe a Scripture will come to mind.
Maybe a person.
Perhaps a feeling of peace or conviction.
Whatever comes, receive it gently—God’s whisper is never rushed.
The God who met Elijah on Mt. Horeb is the same God who meets you now.
He has not stopped speaking.
He has not moved out of reach.
He still passes by quietly to remind you: You are mine. I am here. And I am enough.
May the Lord bless you with the courage to be silent, the patience to listen, and the faith to obey the whisper when it comes.
May God’s voice steady you when the world is shaken, comfort you when the fire rages, & guide you back to the path of peace.
Keep listening—for the God of Elijah still speaks.
(*Video available after Sunday services)
