In today's first reading, we're told the story of Samuel, who is awakened by a voice in the night calling his name. Each time he hears the voice, Samuel runs to his teacher, Eli, and asks why Elijah is calling his name.

Of course, Eli hasn't called the boy's name at all. The third time Samuel comes to Eli, the master understands that it is God who is calling Samuel, and instructs Samuel to answer "Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening."

It is comforting, I suppose, that even prophets do not always recognize the voice of God when they hear it. Neither Samuel, who is destined to lead Israel, nor Eli, a spiritual master, understand right away how God is at work. Of course, eventually Samuel would come to recognize the voice of God and become a mighty, gracious spiritual leader.

Today's readings come on the weekend in which we celebrate the legacy of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., in the United States. It is fitting, I suppose, though perhaps not intended by the international body that shapes our Lectionary, that this reading falls on this Sunday. Rev. King also went through a long education and formation process, and came to learn how to seek and respond to the voice of God in his life, and to become a mighty spiritual leader.

I don't know about you, but I feel like I am more like the young Samuel in my own life. I may have heard the voice of God, but I don't know that I recognize it on a regular basis. I find myself running to others for guidance and direction. The more I look to others, perhaps the less attuned I am to the voice of God.

There are so many voices in our world and in our lives - voices of parents, children, teachers, employers, coaches, friends, spouses, partners. They speak to us often, some times loudly and sometimes quietly. It can be a mighty challenge to discern our true calling and our destiny in this crowded, noisy environment. And yet we are called to do so.

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Perhaps this is a prayer we would all do well to make in our lives. Perhaps then we would hear the voice of God, and learn to detect it more quickly amid all the voices that we hear in this world. If I spent more time listening for the voice of God than I do worrying about pleasing the many other people and voices in my life, I might be better able to live my faith.

Once Samuel responds to God, we're told, "Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him." Fortunately we have many examples of people, including Samuel and Rev. King, who heard the voice of God and followed that voice, even in the midst of danger and hardship. The Lord was with them indeed.

As we do the same, the same will be true for us.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa.