A boy lies down near the ark of God, and a voice calls his name in the dark. Three times he runs to old Eli, until the priest realizes who is calling and teaches him the answer that made a prophet: speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.

In those days the word of the LORD was rare. It is not rare for you; it is open on your lap. Pray Samuel's sentence before you read.

Israel carried the ark into battle like a lucky object and learned that God will not be luggage; Samuel lay down beside the same ark and simply made himself available, and the rare word of the LORD found him. The difference between Ichabod and revelation was posture: one generation used God; a boy listened to Him.

Jesus sharpens the point for Bible readers: it is possible to search the Scriptures diligently and refuse the Person they testify about. So pray Samuel's prayer over every chapter, speak, LORD, and expect the voice that raises the dead to address the living, you, today, mid-verse. Hearing and crossing over, He says, go together.