Learning to Listen...

Then the LORD called 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.
And the LORD called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose 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.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose 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 hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
(1 Samuel 3:4-10 ESV)
This was a learning process.  Revelation was rare.  There were no classes.  Eli could hardly remember what it was like to hear from God.  Rule one: be ready to hear.  Not just the words, but the message, and the challenge they bring.  The verb here implies "hearing with the willingness to obey."  What Samuel is about to hear will impact him for the rest of his life.  If we really want to hear from God (and we should!), it needs to be for far more than knowledge. It is for something life-changing. Are we ready?