Daily Christian Devotional

14 January, 2026

1 Samuel 3.1-10, 19-20, Psalm 40.1-4, 7-10, Mark 1.29-39

The call of Samuel comes in the quiet of the night, when the word of the Lord was rare and vision infrequent. Samuel does not yet recognise God’s voice, but he is willing to listen. With gentle guidance from Eli, he learns the posture of faith: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God’s call begins not with certainty, but with openness, and it grows through patient attentiveness.

Psalm 40 echoes this readiness of heart. God does not desire empty ritual, but a life shaped by obedience and trust. The psalmist delights to do God’s will and proclaims God’s faithfulness publicly. Listening leads to living; hearing God’s word draws us into joyful service.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus rises early, seeking solitude in prayer before the day’s demands press in. From that place of communion, he moves outward to heal, to preach, and to bring good news to many towns. Even the Son listens before he acts. Prayer is not an escape from mission, but its source.

Together these readings invite us to cultivate stillness, attentiveness, and trust. God continues to speak, often quietly, calling us to listen, to follow, and to share in Christ’s work of healing and hope.

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Prayer

Speaking God,
open our ears to hear your voice
and our hearts to receive your word.
Draw us into prayerful attentiveness
and send us out in faithful obedience.
May our lives proclaim your truth and mercy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.