Day 8: Speak, Lord
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Prayer Focus: Hearing the Voice of God
“Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.”
1 Samuel 3:9 ESV
We have completed the first week of our 40-day journey.
For seven days, our focus was consecration. We asked God to search us, cleanse us, teach us surrender, deepen our hunger, quiet our hearts, strengthen our trust, and remind us of His faithfulness.
Now we begin Week 2 with a new emphasis:
Hear What the Spirit Is Saying
If we are going to follow God into new territory, we need more than good ideas.
We need to hear from God.
So today our prayer is simple:
“Speak, Lord. I am listening.”
Samuel Had to Learn God's Voice
First Samuel 3 tells the story of young Samuel hearing someone call his name during the night.
Samuel assumed Eli was calling him.
Three times Samuel went to Eli, and three times Eli told him he had not called.
Eventually, Eli recognized what was happening.
God was speaking to Samuel.
Eli instructed Samuel that if he heard the voice again, he should respond:
“Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:9 ESV)
There is something important here.
Samuel was hearing God's voice, but initially he did not recognize it.
Learning to hear God includes learning to recognize His voice.
God Has Given Us His Word
When we talk about hearing from God, we must begin with Scripture.
God will never lead us contrary to what He has already revealed in His Word.
Psalm 119 describes God's Word as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Sometimes we want God to give us a dramatic answer while neglecting what He has already spoken.
If we want to become more sensitive to God's voice, we need to become more familiar with God's Word.
The more Scripture fills our hearts and minds, the more equipped we become to recognize what agrees with His character and His ways.
His Sheep Know His Voice
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)
Notice again the progression:
Hear. Know. Follow.
God doesn't speak merely so we can collect information.
He speaks because He desires relationship and obedience.
The question isn't simply:
“Can I hear God?”
Another important question is:
“Am I willing to obey what He says?”
Sometimes we ask God for additional direction when He is waiting for us to obey the direction He has already given.
A surrendered heart doesn't only say:
“Speak, Lord.”
It also says:
“Whatever You say, I am willing to obey.”
We Need God's Voice More Than Everyone's Opinion
There are seasons when many voices surround us.
People have opinions.
Culture has opinions.
Friends have opinions.
Family has opinions.
Social media certainly has opinions.
And sometimes our own emotions become one of the loudest voices of all.
But as believers, none of those voices can become greater than the voice of God revealed through His Word and the leadership of His Spirit.
Isaiah describes hearing a word behind you saying:
“This is the way, walk in it…” (Isaiah 30:21 ESV)
That's what we need.
Not simply another opinion.
Direction from God.
Speak to Harvest
This week is especially important for our church.
As Harvest prepares for the season ahead, there are decisions to make and questions to answer.
We need wisdom.
We need discernment.
We need clarity.
But more than anything:
We need to hear what the Spirit is saying.
We don't want to make decisions because of pressure.
We don't want to make decisions because of fear.
We don't want to make decisions merely because something seems practical.
And we don't want to make decisions simply because something is what we personally prefer.
Our prayer must be:
“Holy Spirit, what are You saying to Harvest?”
Then we need the humility to listen and the courage to obey.
Hearing Requires Proximity
If someone is whispering across a crowded room, you may struggle to hear them.
But when you move closer, their voice becomes clearer.
Yesterday we remembered God's faithfulness.
Today, we begin this week by intentionally moving closer again.
Prayer.
Scripture.
Worship.
Fasting.
Stillness.
These aren't religious boxes to check.
They are ways we intentionally turn our attention toward God.
James tells us:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8 ESV)
During these 40 days, let's reduce the noise and draw closer.
Not simply because we need an answer.
Because we want to know His voice.
Today's Prayer Focus
Speak Through Your Word
Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture and give you understanding as you read.
Teach Me Your Voice
Ask God to help you recognize His leading and distinguish it from your own emotions and desires.
Remove Competing Voices
Ask the Lord to reveal voices or influences that have become louder than they should be.
Speak to Harvest
Pray for clear direction, wisdom, and discernment for our church and its leaders.
Make Me Obedient
Ask God for a heart willing to obey whatever He reveals.
Today's Prayer
Father, today my prayer is simple:
Speak, Lord. I am listening.
Teach me to recognize Your voice. Give me a greater hunger for Your Word and make me sensitive to the leadership of Your Spirit.
Quiet the competing voices around me and within me.
Don't allow my preferences, fears, emotions, or assumptions to become louder than Your direction.
Speak to Harvest.
Give us wisdom and discernment for the season ahead. Let every decision be submitted to You.
And when You speak, give us the courage to obey.
We don't simply want information about where we're going.
We want to follow the One who is leading us.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Additional Scriptures
1 Samuel 3:1–10 — Samuel learning to recognize God's voice.
John 10:27 — Hearing the voice of Jesus and following Him.
Psalm 119:105 — God's Word giving light for our path.
Isaiah 30:21 — Direction concerning the way we should walk.
Revelation 2:7 — Hearing what the Spirit says to the churches.
Today's Challenge
Before asking God for anything today, open your Bible and spend some uninterrupted time reading His Word.
Then pray:
“Speak, Lord. I am listening.”
Write down anything the Lord brings to your attention through Scripture.
Then ask one more question:
“What do I need to obey?”
Week 1: Consecrate Yourselves.
Week 2: Hear What the Spirit Is Saying.
Day 8: Speak, Lord. I am listening.
