STUDIES FROM THE BOOK OF SAMUEL (Study 3) HANNAH’S BITTER CRY TO GOD IN PRAYER: 1Sam. 1:9-18; Eccl. 5:4-6; Jer. 33:3, 29:11. Hannah’s barrenness considered in our last study opened our eyes to what barrenness means and possible solutions. We shall now look at Hannah’s solution to this problem. Hannah who called herself a woman of a sorrowful spirit (Vs 15) was in bitterness of soul, being an object of reproach and scorn always weeping without anyone who could understand her and deliver her from her troubles. At last she decided to take her sorrow to the Lord in prayers. Most of the time when we consider the circumstances befalling us, we are often weighed down by sorrow and unable to see the grace of God in our lives. Rather than engaging in self-pity and weeping we should just do like Hannah, and take our sorrow to the Lord in prayers. Ps. 18:2-6; 55:22; Math. 26:37-39; Jas. 5:13-16; 1Pet. 5:7. HANNAH’S PRAYER: 1Sam. 1:9-13 After the sacrifice and the eating, Hannah, who refused to eat, turned into the temple of the Lord, the house of prayer Math. 21:13 and prayed in desperation, She 1. Poured her heart to God in actual supplication with her utterance in the heart and lip only moving. Vs. 13. 2. Surrendered wholly unto the Lord calling herself “the handmaid of the Lord” Vs. 11. 3. Displayed genuine trust in the Lord like Abraham, she said “O Lord of hosts” Vs 11, Gen. 15:1-2. 4. Was specific and definite about her request “a son” Vs. 11, Mk. 11:24. 5. Steadfastly continued in prayer before the Lord. Vs. 12, Gen. 32:26; Lk. 11:8; 18:1. 6. Had strong faith and devotion to God that nothing could stand between her and her miracle, not even the wrong accusation of drunkenness. Vs. 14-16. 7. Ended on a joyous note as she claimed the prophesy of the high priest with faith. Vs. 17-18; 11Chron. 20:20. 8. Brought her strong reasons why God should answer her. Isa. 41:21; 1Sam. 1:11. 9. She put God in remembrance and pleaded with Him. Isa. 43:26;1Sam. 1:12, 18. Whatever problems we may be faced with, steadfastness in persistent prayer is the solution. If our desires cannot be expressed in the presence of others, let us like Hannah engage in groaning that cannot be uttered. Rom. 8:27. Our desires cannot be too fervent nor our requests be too importunate as long as they are of God’s will. Lk. 11:8; 18:1, 7; Rom. 12:12; 1Jhn. 5:14-15. HANNAH BACKED HER PRAYER WITH A VOW: Vs. 11; Num. 6:2-8. In her prayer Hannah vowed that if God would look on her affliction, remember her, not forget her and grant her a man child, then, 1. She would freely offer to give the child back to God to serve Him not for the number of years stipulated by the law. Num. 4:3 but for as long as he lived. 2. The son shall be a Nazarite who might not partake in any product of the vine (that is abstainence from self – indulgence and carnal pleasure) 3. He would not take part in any mourning for the dead, no matter whom they may be because his holier duties have raised him above the ordinary joy/sorrow and the cares and affairs of everyday life. 4. No razor would come upon his head, his hair distinguishing him to be free from any custom of life. With the vow Hannah clearly showed that she no longer wanted the child for herself alone but also for the use of God to address the problem of spiritual decadence in Israel at that time; no wonder God answered her speedily. It is a good thing to make vows that will move God to answer our prayers but they must be such that we are able to keep and that which agree with the will of God. Judg. 11:30-39; Deut. 23:21-23; Ps. 66:13-14. ACTION POINT: BETTER IS IT THAT THOU SHOULDEST NOT VOW, THAN THAT THOU SHOULDEST VOW AND PAY NOT. Eccl. 5:5.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 16:48:51 +0000
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