Good morning,
This week we will be looking at 1 Samuel 1 and 2.
This portion of Scriptures tells us about Hannah.
- Hannah’s Plight 1 Samuel 1:1-8
- Hannah’s Request 1 Samuel 1:9-18
- God’s Response 1 Samuel 1:19-20
- Hannah’s Response 1 Samuel 1:21-28
- Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah’s Request (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.”
Hannah’s request was for a male child. He was to be given to the Lord for his whole life. This meant that after he was weaned, he would be taken to the Tabernacle and there, under the care of the High Priest Eli and others, he would grow to be a mighty prophet of God. Hannah was serious about her commitment to God. Her desire was for her child to serve God.
It is God’s desire that we come to Him in prayer. God is capable and willing to answer our prayers. Not selfish prayers, but prayers that exult, glorify, and honor God. That is what Hannah prayed.
God will not always answer our prayers the way we want. He sees the big picture and knows how that prayer may be good or bad for us. However He answers, YES, No, or Not Now, we need to thank Him and trust His judgment in our lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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