“Prayer of Hannah”
1 Samuel 1:9-11
3-19-2023AM
As we continue to look at prayers from the Bible, we arrive and look at the life of Hannah.
The prayer is in verse 11 but the events previous and post to her prayer draw to me great interest.
Elkanah (el-kaw-naw’) by name lived in a city on the mount of Ephraim, Ramathaim-zophim may signify “the two hills of the watchmen,” so called from its being a post from which the watchmen looked out.
He had 2 wives that is stated that they did not get along. Vs. 6
Adversary - foe, enemy, oppressor
Peninnah’s ammunition was that she had children and Hannah had NONE! Vs.2
Vs. 7 this caused great harm in the heart and life of Hannah.
Vs. 8 looks like Elkanah (el-kaw-naw’) was trying to cheer his wife up and struck out.
All this is in preparation for prayer.
Broken heart
Unanswered desire
Husband who failed to understand
And now expected to act her part at the time of the sacrifice.
I. God Did it! Vs. 5
God shut up her womb
God allowed Hannah to be in this relationship
God allowed Hannah to experience these emotions!
How often do we have difficulties in our lives and then try to rationalize and figure “to whom do we blame?”
I cannot tell you the reason in most circumstances why God would do or allow events or trials in one’s life, but this I do know; God is God and HE is still in control.
II. Hannah’s Prayer Vss. 9-13
1. Hannah left the celebration and is found at the Temple. Vs.9
2. Vs. 10 “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.”
Bitterness – marah (maw-raw’) show pain, to embitter oneself, to be enraged.
Of soul - nephesh (neh’-fesh) seat of emotions and passions, activity of mind
Wept sore - to weep bitterly, shed tears
3. Vs. 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.”
Vow – To make a promise.
Numbers 30:2 “If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
4. I do not see a demand upon God but a request – “IF thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid,”
How often do we go to prayer with the idea that we are going to tell God what HE ought to do?
5. Remember me, - recall, call to mind
6. Specific desire – “but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child”
I believe that God wants to hear from each of us, but beating around the bush in not HIS style.
Prayer ought to be personal and without demands.
7. The Vow – “then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.”
A Nazarite (vow unto God)
III. Opposition To Prayer Vs. 13-14
Eli did not know what was taking place in her heart; he only knew what we taking place with her lips.
They were moving but no sound was coming out.
Eli made the judgment that this woman must be drunk and openly spoke against her.
When we pray it is not always understood by those around us.
In fact it could be misunderstood very quickly.
How should you respond to such an accusation?
IV. Explanation Of Her Prayer Vss. 15-16
The lessons begins to develop.
1. When opposition is before us, we need not lash out and retaliate to those who oppose us.
2. A simple answer is enough. Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Vs.16 “Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial:”
Belial - wicked, ungodly, evil.
We see that Hannah was concerned that she would be counted among the wicked.
V. The Blessings Of The Prayer
Vs.17-18 “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.”
Eli understood enough to retract his accusation and replace it with a blessing.
We should never be afraid to admit that we were wrong!
Conclusion:
1. When we carry a burden do not hesitate to bring it to the LORD in prayer
2. Lay your heart open before our Holy God.
3. God reads the heart not the mouth when we pray.
4. While others may not understand, God understands.
5. While others my give encouragement, know that God is the giver of real peace.
When was the last time you spent meaningful time speaking to the Lord about your broken life?
Only Trust Him (Hymn)
1. Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There's mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest,
By trusting in His word.
Chorus:
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now;
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.
2. For Jesus shed his precious blood Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
3. Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
And you are fully blest.
4. Come, then, and join this holy band,
And on to glory go,
To dwell in that celestial land,
Where joys immortal flow.
Chorus:
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now;
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.
Note: I freely share this to encourage others. Use this as the LORD would direct.
