Family Devotion 3: Speak Lord, your servant is listening.
Bible Story Background 1 Samuel 3: 1-10
We heard the next installment in the story of Samuel this week. After learning about Hannah's prayer life last week, we found out that when Samuel was old enough for school, he went to the temple and was taught by Eli, the priest at the temple and lived there with him. One night, Samuel awoke twice, thinking that Eli was calling him. Both times Eli sent him back to his mat to sleep, saying that he did not call for Samuel. Then, Samuel heard his name called a third time and went to Eli. This time Eli realized that Samuel was hearing the voice of God. Eli told him that if it happened again, to respond, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening," and then to listen very carefully.
We had fun in all our classes this past week thinking about listening and making some fun listening devices. At home though, we can do some really cool listening and thinking.
Try This: Find a comfortable spot where you can face your child or children. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible -- television, other screens or music. Make eye contact. Have your child tell you something -- about their day, about a friend, about something funny that happened or about a problem. Listen attentively and reflect back to them what they are saying without judgement or solutions. For example, "You went down the slide 30 times with Addie -- wow, that is a lot of sliding."
Respond with encouragement or questions that drive thinking about the story, "What is the best part of sliding?"
When you are done discussing the story, explain how you liked listening: looking closely at your child's face, thinking about their story, asking questions to understand how they felt. Have your child(ren) try it with you -- keep your story concise.
Then: Explain that God listens to us like this -- and even more closely -- when we pray. Pray together with this listening prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for listening to us. We pray today (share a hope for your child(ren)). Help us to listen to your voice in our hearts. (leave some time of silence). Continue to speak to us Lord this week, your servants are listening. Amen.
Throughout the week check in and discuss what each family member is hearing/thinking/feeling.
We heard the next installment in the story of Samuel this week. After learning about Hannah's prayer life last week, we found out that when Samuel was old enough for school, he went to the temple and was taught by Eli, the priest at the temple and lived there with him. One night, Samuel awoke twice, thinking that Eli was calling him. Both times Eli sent him back to his mat to sleep, saying that he did not call for Samuel. Then, Samuel heard his name called a third time and went to Eli. This time Eli realized that Samuel was hearing the voice of God. Eli told him that if it happened again, to respond, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening," and then to listen very carefully.
We had fun in all our classes this past week thinking about listening and making some fun listening devices. At home though, we can do some really cool listening and thinking.
Try This: Find a comfortable spot where you can face your child or children. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible -- television, other screens or music. Make eye contact. Have your child tell you something -- about their day, about a friend, about something funny that happened or about a problem. Listen attentively and reflect back to them what they are saying without judgement or solutions. For example, "You went down the slide 30 times with Addie -- wow, that is a lot of sliding."Respond with encouragement or questions that drive thinking about the story, "What is the best part of sliding?"
When you are done discussing the story, explain how you liked listening: looking closely at your child's face, thinking about their story, asking questions to understand how they felt. Have your child(ren) try it with you -- keep your story concise.
Then: Explain that God listens to us like this -- and even more closely -- when we pray. Pray together with this listening prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for listening to us. We pray today (share a hope for your child(ren)). Help us to listen to your voice in our hearts. (leave some time of silence). Continue to speak to us Lord this week, your servants are listening. Amen.
Throughout the week check in and discuss what each family member is hearing/thinking/feeling.
Comments
Post a Comment