PROPHET SAMUEL: HE HEARD GOD AND FOLLOWED HIS WORD Samuel was a gift of God to Hannah and Elkanah as well as to the nation of Israel . Samuel brought the long period of the judges to a close and ushered in the new era of government by kings. Samuel lived over 90 years and served as a prophet, judge, and priest for almost of those years. He proved to be a strong leader and a stabilizing force at a time of great transition. His ministry as the last of the judges and the first of the prophet brought Israel into days of unprecedented prominence which continued through the leadership of King Saul, David and Solomon. Samuel is often spoken of as a great example of prayer and intercession on behalf of the people of God. His example serves as an encouragement to each of us; - a surrendered heart that readily obeyed when he heard God speak. God taught him that true prayer is always based first on surrender to the w...