1 Samuel 3:1-10 Today’s symbol is Samuel’s oil. Samuel learned to listen to God. Because he listened and trusted in God’s words, Samuel knew who God would choose to be king over Israel. God gave Samuel the job of anointing, or setting apart, the king. I wonder what God’s voice sounded like to Samuel? I wonder what he felt when he heard his name spoken in the dark? I wonder what it was like to come so close to God that Samuel could recognize and trust his words? I wonder if I have ever been confident, like Samuel, that God’s words are true and I can trust them? Can I ask God to help me trust and follow his voice? I wonder if it’s hard to listen sometimes. Do I have trouble making my heart and mind quiet? Can I ask God to come close to me, even when I have trouble coming close to God? I wonder if God has ever felt far away, or hard to hear? Are there people in my life who can speak God’s words of love to me when I have trouble hearing them? What do I want to say to God about that? In Advent, we are waiting for Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus is God’s Word to us. I wonder how I can learn to listen to Jesus? Can I ask God to help me to trust that Jesus’ love and life are for me? Patient God, we want to hear your words. We want to know you better. Help us to learn to listen for you quietly, and to follow you when you speak. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.