When we look at Hannah in 1 Samuel, we see that she had a deep longing. She wanted to have a baby of her own. She watched her husband have children with other women for years and she desperately wanted to give him a child too.
Her heart was broken and she was yearning for something she did not have. But Hannah realized that she was not deserving. We are never deserving, but God is good. Hannah took her need to God. She cried out to Him with an open heart and open hands.
Her heart was broken and she was yearning for something she did not have. But Hannah realized that she was not deserving. We are never deserving, but God is good. Hannah took her need to God. She cried out to Him with an open heart and open hands.
Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a
vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s
affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will
give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”
1 Samuel 1:10-11
Hannah knew if God were to bless her with a child, the child would ultimately be His. She not only asked for a child but promised to give the child back to God. She was going to use her blessing to bless God and the church.
When God answered her prayers with a son, she honored her promise and gave Samuel back to God. With her hands and heart open, God blessed her greatly and she in turn blessed God.
We need to pray like Hannah. We need to recognize that we are undeserving of God's blessings, but that He is good. We need to offer up bold prayers. We need to have an open heart to whatever God has. We need to have open hands to offer His blessing back to Him. And we need to remember that God has our very best in mind and we can always trust His ways.
Today, whatever you are facing, pray like Hannah.
It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.
Hannah is such a good example of faith and prayer. I shared a few thoughts from Hosea about returning to the Lord: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2020/05/04/come-let-us-return-to-the-lord-2/.
ReplyDeleteJenifer, I love the story of Hannah and how she prayed so intensely that she looked as if she were drunk. I dare say none of us have ever prayed like that. Maybe you have, but I'm pretty sure I have not.
ReplyDeleteWe've got a great post going over on the blog this week on talking with your tween about God things. It has really hit home with many of our readers! https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/exploring-god-questions-with-your-tween