Suggested Reflection Time ~30 Minutes

Preparation (~ 5 minutes)

Take a few moments to center yourself and create a space to listen and imagine. Some techniques that others have used include:

• Deep Breaths
• Repeating a word or phrase that has a holy or spiritual connotation for you.
• Imagining yourself in a space you find tranquil and comfortable.
• Making a physical gesture of reverence or placement.

Opening Prayer (~ 1 minute)

___________, open me to your presence. Help me create or find a space to hear you calling me by name.

Reflection Text:

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, "Samuel! Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Then the Lord said to Samuel, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. (1 Samuel 3:2-11)

Reflection (~20 minutes)

I desire to hear my name as called by God.

I read the Reflection Text to consider God's role in naming.

I begin by reflecting on the people in my life with dim eyesight, in soul, mind, and body. At this time I consider also those moments when I have been unable to see.

I imagine walking with someone who asked me for support. We travel together before they turn in their room, and I return to my own thoughts. I allow myself to look around as I walk to the Holy Space, seeing the area that surrounds me, hearing my footsteps. I take note of what I see, hear, and smell as I continue my journey.

I reach my destination and slowly I lay down, setting aside everything I carry. I close my eyes, aware of the sacredness that pervades this space. My eyelids droop, I yawn and ready myself for the coming of sleep.

At the very moment I am ready to drift off, I hear a voice. I listen to it, pondering the intonation, tone, and volume as it washes over me. Within the voice I hear a name, my name. As I have spent my entire life caring for others, I assume that it must be them that called.

I answer, shouting "Hear I am!" as I run to them. I watch their confusion as they wake up, and hear the accusation in their answer. Slowly I return again to the Holy Place. Yet again, at the verge of sleep, the voice echoes through me, more insistent. Again I rise and return to the person I left. Again I listen to their answer, hear their tenseness, their frustration. Confused I again obey their command to return and lie down.

A third time the voice returns, demanding a response. My name penetrates deep within my being, I feel it echo through my bones. I rise again, and race to one who must be calling me. I see a light dawn in their tired face, their eyes glitter with inspiration. "Go" they say, I am not calling, but God. I return again to the temple, pausing to notice the emotions course through me. I lay awake, looking up at the space that surrounds me, listening intently, and wait with baited breath. "______" the voice calls again, gentle, loving and tender. This time I am ready. I answer "Speak", and let silence descend as my heart opens.

Conversation (~3 minutes)

I end in a short conversation with ____________, giving thanks.