1 Samuel 3 The Voice

Samuel and Eli 1 Samuel 3:4–10. Video presentation—“Samuel and Eli”

Samuel and Eli 1 Samuel 3:4–10. Video presentation—“Samuel and Eli”

The Voice of the Lord Be perfectly quiet and listen for all the sounds you can hear in the next 60 seconds. HEARKEN verses HEAR verses LISTEN Samuel’s call: 1 Samuel 3:1-11, 1 Samuel 3:15–18 Why do you think Samuel didn’t recognize the voice? Why do you think the Lord spoke to Samuel and not to Eli? Why does the Lord sometimes withhold answers?

The Voice of the Lord “When Heavenly Father answers yes, it is to give us confidence. When He answers no, it is to prevent error. When he withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him....Most often what we have chosen to do is right. He will confirm the correctness of our choices His way. That confirmation generally comes through packets of help found along the way. We discover them by being spiritually sensitive.... If, in trust, we begin something which is not right, He will let us know before we have gone too far" (Elder Richard G Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1989, 32).

The Voice of the Lord 1 Nephi 17:45 (Name 3 things that can prevent us from recognizing the Lord’s voice) Alma 5:57 (What is one thing to do if you want to learn to recognize the Lord’s voice?) Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13 (How can you recognize when the Lord speaks through the Spirit?) Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36 (What is one way you can hear the voice of the Lord daily?) Work in Pairs

The Voice of the Lord “The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. … “Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53). “The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. … “Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).

The Voice of the Lord “When I was a young man in high school, one of my passions was American football. I played middle linebacker. The coach worked the team hard, teaching us the basics. We practiced until the skills became natural and automatic. During one play against our biggest rival, I had an experience that has helped me over the years. We were on defense. I knew my assigned opponent, and as the play unfolded, he moved to my right into the line of scrimmage. There was a lot of noise from players and fans. I reacted as the coach had taught us and followed my man into the line, not knowing if he had the ball. To my surprise, I felt the ball partially in my hands. I gave it a tug, but my opponent didn’t let go. As we tugged back and forth, amid all the noise I heard a voice yelling, ‘Packer, tackle him!’ That was enough to bring me to my senses, so I dropped him on the spot.

The Voice of the Lord “I have wondered how I heard that voice above all the other noise. I had become acquainted with the voice of the coach during the practices, and I had learned to trust it. I knew that what he taught worked. “We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies” (“Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 17). “I have wondered how I heard that voice above all the other noise. I had become acquainted with the voice of the coach during the practices, and I had learned to trust it. I knew that what he taught worked. “We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies” (“Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 17).

Familiar with His Voice Read 1 Samuel 3:19–21 What do you think it means that “the Lord … did let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground” Write one thing you feel you need to do to become more familiar with the Lord’s voice. Next to 1 Samuel 3:19-21, cross-reference: 1 Nephi 17:45 Alma 5:57 D&C 11:12–13 D&C18:34–36

Principles We can grow in our ability to recognize the voice of the Lord. Trusted leaders and parents can help us learn to recognize the voice of the Lord. Personal revelation helps us recognize the voice of the Lord and receive His guidance and instruction.

Here am I or (2015 EFY Theme)

Here am I or (2015 EFY Theme)

1 Samuel 3 The Voice