The Power Of Prayer - Hannah And The Lord Of Hosts!

I am also sure that Hannah had already used all the home remedies and sound advice that had been given to her by all the other woman around her to make sure she could bear a child. I am also sure that she had reached out to any of the ancient healers and herbalists that were around as well to see if her condition could be changed.

But now, she goes to the Tabernacle and the Bible says "in her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly." (v. 10).

Hannah knows that it is God who has caused her to be unable to have a child. Physically there is nothing wrong with her or with her husband. So, if it is God's fault then she will go to the LORD directly. She will go to where she believes the LORD's Presence dwells and she will bear her soul to the LORD.

In verse 11 we find a little jewel that is very important. For the very first time at least in recorded scripture a new name of God is used. Throughout this passage the name that God is referred to is Yahweh - the God of the Covenant, the God of Love, Mercy and Grace. Hannah adds a second aspect to that name - she cries out to the God of Yahweh and refers to God not only as Yahweh but the God of Hosts - the God who leads a Mighty Army - the God of Battle and Victory.

In some respects, Hannah is both blessing the LORD for being a God of Victory while at the same time going into battle with the LORD. She is calling on the name of the God of Hosts - the one who has all number of mighty angels and mighty men at his disposal. The God whom no one can stand before and be victorious. She is calling on God to fight her battle of not being able to have a child. She is calling on the Yahweh the God of Hosts to fight her battle and bring her victory over Peninnah, her own body and even God Himself.

She goes to the LORD and says in effect - "Lord, I want a child. In fact, Lord I want a son. In fact, Lord I want to be a vessel of fruitfulness. I want to be a person who will be able to impact the next generation. I want to fulfill my destiny. God, you made me to be a woman. You gave me the ability to bear a child. Now, Lord - I want that child."

You see the key here is not to focus on a woman having a child. There is more here in the story. Hannah wanted to bear fruit. She wanted to impact lives. She wanted the LORD to use her as a vessel to bear forth a Levitical priest. She wanted to do her part in making sure that the Tabernacle and the Kingdom of God would go on for generations to come. She wanted God to do in and through her a work that would have impact for years. So, out of desperation she prays. And she prays a prayer of full surrender and sacrifice.

III. Hannah Surrenders and Sacrifices Everything

Her Desperation led her to Prayer and Her Prayer led her to a declaration and commitment to Surrender and Sacrifice.

Again, remember the key is not Hannah having a child so she could look at Peninnah and tell her to get off her back. Having a child was not some revenge act. It is also not some way to get back her husband the way Jacob's wife Rachel tried. No, Elkanah deeply loves Hannah. She is the love of his life.