One of my favorite Old Testament lessons is up for Sunday... the calling of Samuel. The back story was about Samuel’s mother Hannah who was unable to have children. So, she prayed and prayed. And with her prayers she promised God if she could have a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. The Lord gave her a son and she named him Samuel. She was as good as her word and took him to the temple for service to the Lord. Samuel grew up and was mentored by Eli the priest. One night as Eli and Samuel were asleep in the temple, Samuel heard a voice calling, “Samuel.” So, he went to Eli and said, “Here I am!” Eli said, “I didn’t call you. God back to sleep.” It happened again two more times. And each time Eli told Samuel to go back to sleep. Eli finally figured out it was God who was calling Samuel so, he instructed him to answer, “Here I am Lord" the next time. He did, and Samuel was one of the most powerful prophets of the time. He literally held the Israelites together through some bad times and eventually anointed David the king. All because he said, “Here I am” when he heard God call his name!

One of my favorite hymns is “Here Am I Lord.” I had it sung at my ordination 13 years ago and here at Peace for my installation. Last Saturday I attended the synod-wide ordination, and this song was used. In fact, we are going to be singing it this Sunday as well. Maybe God is calling you to something new! What will your answer be?

See you Sunday!