Scripture Verse

Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. 1 Samuel 3:10

Introduction

Words: James D. Burns, Ev­en­ing Hymns 1857.

Music: Sam­uel (Sul­li­van) Ar­thur S. Sul­li­van, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
James D. Burns (1823–1864)

Lyrics

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Samuel Hears the Voice of God
The Bible Revival

Hushed was the evening hymn,
The temple courts were dark;
The lamp was burning dim
Before the sacred ark;
When suddenly a voice divine
Rang through the silence of the shrine.

The old man, meek and mild,
The priest of Israel, slept;
His watch the temple child,
The little Levite, kept;
And what from Eli’s sense was sealed
The Lord to Hannah’s son revealed.

O give me Samuel’s ear,
The open ear, O Lord,
Alive and quick to hear
Each whisper of Thy Word,
Like him to answer at Thy call,
And to obey Thee first of all.

O give me Samuel’s heart,
A lowly heart, that waits
Where in Thy house Thou art,
Or watches at Thy gates;
By day and night, a heart that still
Moves at the breathing of Thy will.

O give me Samuel’s mind,
A sweet unmurm’ring faith,
Obedient and resigned
To Thee in life and death,
That I may read with child like eyes
Truths that are hidden from the wise.