First Reading1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
From the First Book of Samuel
1The child Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli.The Lord’s word was rare in those days.There were not many visions, then.2At that time,when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim,so that he could not see),3and God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out,and Samuel had laid down in the Lord’s temple where God’s ark was,4The Lord called Samuel.He said, “Here I am.”
5He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”
He said, “I didn’t call.Lie down again.”
He went and lay down.6The Lord called yet again, “Samuel!”
Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”
He answered, “I didn’t call, my son.Lie down again.”7Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord,neither was the Lord’s word yet revealed to him.8The Lord called Samuel again the third time.He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am;for you called me.”
Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down.It shall be, if he calls you,that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord;for your servant hears.’”So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10The Lord came, and stood,and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak;for your servant hears.”
verses 11–18 are not read19Samuel grew, and the Lord was with himand let none of his words fall to the ground.20All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knewthat Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.