Young Samuel Listening in Prayer

Young Samuel sits on a simple bed in an Israelite room, clothed in a plain robe with his hands folded and his eyes lifted in reverent attention. A clay jar beside him and the sparse interior create the quiet atmosphere of a biblical household or sanctuary chamber. The scene evokes the calling of Samuel, when the boy serving under Eli learned to answer the voice of the Lord with humility: “Speak, for your servant hears.” The upward gaze and still posture make the image especially suited to themes of children's prayer, listening to God, obedience, bedtime devotion, and teaching young believers to respond faithfully to the Lord’s call. by Erik Stenbakken