[Verse 1] The word was precious in those days, No open vision came. Eli's eyes were growing dim; The lamp still held its flame. Samuel lay near the ark of God, A servant young and small, When in the dark he heard his name And answered Eli's call. [Pattern] "Here am I." "I called thee not." He lay again. The voice returned. "Here am I." "I called thee not." A third time, and the old priest learned. [Refrain - Samuel] Speak, Lord, for Thy servant hears. Break the silence of the years. Though the word be hard to bear, Speak, Lord; Thy servant hears. [Verse 2] The message judged the house of Eli, Sin his sons refused to leave. Samuel lay until the morning, Fearing what the priest would grieve. Eli charged him, "Hide no matter." Samuel told him every word. Eli bowed beneath the sentence: "It is the Lord." [Final Refrain] Speak, Lord, for Thy servant hears. Let no word fall through the years. From Dan southward to Beersheba, Israel knew the prophet clear. The lamp still burned before the dawn; A listening child was raised. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant hears, And let Thy truth be praised.