Hannah's Prayer

Saturday, February 4, 2012
Pray: 
Lord, I praise You today as the God who hears and answers my prayers and those of all Your people.
Read: 
1 SAMUEL 2:1-10

[1] Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. [2] "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. [3] "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. [4] "The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. [5] Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away. [6] "The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. [7] The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. [8] He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world. [9] He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. "It is not by strength that one prevails; [10] those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. "He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed."

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect: 
What do we learn about the Lord in this song?

I gave a wry smile as I reread v. 9 today. I hadn't felt as though my feet were being guarded out on the frozen pavement when I executed a move that competitors in Dancing on Ice (a popular UK TV program) would have been proud of (not!). But, in the big scheme of things, a few bruises in unmentionable places are very minor.

Look at Hannah and what she has had to endure because of her infertility (1:6). Now she can thank God for answered prayer; and words flow from the fullness of her heart (see Luke 6:45).

In our readings this week Jesus warned his disciples that they would face misunderstanding and suffering (Luke 6:22). They would have to learn to see the world from his point of view, and that would not come easily. Many years before Jesus was born, Hannah was already blessed with the wisdom of God's perspective on life. Her praise centers not on the gift but on the giver, and her words speak volumes about not only the power and might but also the compassion of God. How much we can learn from her!

Apply: 
Pray for someone going through a difficult time. Ask God how you can be part of the answer to your prayer.
Pray: 
Lord, You are our Rock and Deliverer. May my spirit always be eager and ready to give You the praise You deserve.
Through the Bible In One Year: 
Exodus 21,22 / Matthew 25

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