1 Samuel 2:1-4 And Hannah prayed and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more exceedingly proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
What a wonderful prayer! Hannah was the Prophet Samuel’s mother. Barren in her youth, she was provoked and ridiculed by her husband’s other very productive wife. Back then, barrenness was considered the consequence of some great sin against God. So although her husband Elkanah loved her and gave her a healthy portion of his possessions, she refused to be consoled, driving him to claim that he was better to her than ten sons. Instead, Hannah went up to the temple and prayed to the Lord, asking Him to bless her with a son, promising that if He granted her request, no razor would ever pass his head, and he would do the Lord’s work all his life. Note her strong faith, believing that the Lord could really do what she asked. Things were so bad with Hannah, that even as she knelt there, praying quietly from her heart, her lips moving but no sound coming out, the priest Eli saw her and thought she was inebriated, and even scolded the poor woman. Note how we can quickly jump to wrong conclusions and act on them to the detriment of others. But Hannah explained her situation and Eli blessed and wished her good luck. Then Hannah went home, ate, drank and relaxed, wisely leaving the matter in God’s hands. Soon thereafter, Elkanah knew Hannah. (smile) I love that term. Nine months later, Samuel was born and Hannah said, ‘For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.’ In return, she kept her promise, unlike many of us, who conveniently forget once our wishes are granted. At an early age, she sent him to work and study under Eli, the priest. Oh Friends, what a moving story, that also highlights all the principles of our faith: Hannah having hard times, being wrongfully judged, even when she was praying. But she, staying steadfast and faithful, praying expectantly to the Father, believing He could grant her wish. And, as we keep on reiterating, the Lord looks mercifully upon those who remain faithful through hard times. I’d like us to pay particular attention to one line of Hannah’s prayer; ‘for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.,’ meaning He reads our hearts to find out the true intentions behind our actions. Hannah’s heart must have been right, so He granted her petition. And she, in genuine gratitude, proudly announced; ‘Mine heart rejoiceth in the Lord…There is no one holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God’ Friends, truer words were never spoken. May we all be strong, faithful and true like Hannah. Much LOVE! remember…our trials…are oftimes God’s way…of testing us…
What a wonderful prayer! Hannah was the Prophet Samuel’s mother. Barren in her youth, she was provoked and ridiculed by her husband’s other very productive wife. Back then, barrenness was considered the consequence of some great sin against God. So although her husband Elkanah loved her and gave her a healthy portion of his possessions, she refused to be consoled, driving him to claim that he was better to her than ten sons. Instead, Hannah went up to the temple and prayed to the Lord, asking Him to bless her with a son, promising that if He granted her request, no razor would ever pass his head, and he would do the Lord’s work all his life. Note her strong faith, believing that the Lord could really do what she asked. Things were so bad with Hannah, that even as she knelt there, praying quietly from her heart, her lips moving but no sound coming out, the priest Eli saw her and thought she was inebriated, and even scolded the poor woman. Note how we can quickly jump to wrong conclusions and act on them to the detriment of others. But Hannah explained her situation and Eli blessed and wished her good luck. Then Hannah went home, ate, drank and relaxed, wisely leaving the matter in God’s hands. Soon thereafter, Elkanah knew Hannah. (smile) I love that term. Nine months later, Samuel was born and Hannah said, ‘For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.’ In return, she kept her promise, unlike many of us, who conveniently forget once our wishes are granted. At an early age, she sent him to work and study under Eli, the priest. Oh Friends, what a moving story, that also highlights all the principles of our faith: Hannah having hard times, being wrongfully judged, even when she was praying. But she, staying steadfast and faithful, praying expectantly to the Father, believing He could grant her wish. And, as we keep on reiterating, the Lord looks mercifully upon those who remain faithful through hard times. I’d like us to pay particular attention to one line of Hannah’s prayer; ‘for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.,’ meaning He reads our hearts to find out the true intentions behind our actions. Hannah’s heart must have been right, so He granted her petition. And she, in genuine gratitude, proudly announced; ‘Mine heart rejoiceth in the Lord…There is no one holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God’ Friends, truer words were never spoken. May we all be strong, faithful and true like Hannah. Much LOVE! remember…our trials…are oftimes God’s way…of testing us…
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