In today's First Reading, Samuel responded to Eli every time he heard himself being called. Even though he was asleep each time, Samuel woke up quickly and he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." (1 Samuel 3:8) Here was the sleeping young Samuel, and when he heard his name, he responded. He didn't ignore it or pretend he didn't hear it. He didn't turn over and fall back asleep. He got up and he responded.

And after his persistence of answering that call multiple times, his understanding of God grew—he came to recognize that the voice calling him was that of the Lord, and then, lastly, he eagerly answered Him. He seems to have wanted what God wanted.

This gives me a glimpse of how we're called to practice discipline in our lives, and it gives me pause to think about how I respond to the Lord calling me—particularly at times when I'm tired or weak.

Do I run straight to Him? Do I answer Him? Do I acknowledge the ways He is making Himself known?

I can't always answer, "yes" to these questions. I know I could be more attentive to our Lord's call—in listening for Him and in responding to Him—in relation to my vocation, absolutely, but also in relation to the small things He's asking of me every single day.

Like being kind to a stranger, slowing down, and actually being present to them.

Like meal planning for the week and grocery shopping without complaining.

Like giving Him a few minutes of my day when it seems like I don't have any time to spare.

God often speaks to people when they are open to hearing Him—when they have a relationship with Him, when they are dedicated to prayer, when they are silently slipping into sleep. Whether you're exhausted or energized, can you hear Him in the big ways and the small?

[bctt tweet="Sister, let's spend more time with the Lord in prayer and in silence."]

Sister, let's spend more time with the Lord in prayer and in silence. Let's hope to know His voice, recognize His presence and calling. Let's respond eagerly to Him, saying, speak, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:10)

Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife. You can find out more about her here.