Hannah, The Mother of Samuel, 1st Sam. 1:1-2:21
There are 3 traits of Hannah which all Christians should admire.
- Her trust in God while praying.
- Her response to answered prayer was praise!
- Her courage to make a promise and be faithful in keeping it.
Hannah’s Prayer: When faced with despair, she knew who to turn to trust, God! 1st Peter 5:7. She knew the value of silent prayer, 1st Samuel 1:10-12 & 1st Thes. 5:17-18. She was not selfish in her prayer, James 4:3. She was not vengeful in her prayer, but was willing to forgive Penninah, Mark 11:26.
THREE POWERFUL POINTS FOR SILENT PRAYER
- When circumstances prohibit audible prayer, silent prayer is still heard.
- Silent prayer eliminates the possibility of praying to be seen or heard, Mt. 6:5-6.
- Even while hands must work, our hearts can bow in prayer.
Hannah’s Praise: She had no way of knowing her praise would influence others to praise God in the future, reference Mary’s praise, 1st Sam. 2:1-10 and Luke 1:46-55 share amazing similarities. What prompted Hannah to praise God was success in fulfilling her prayerful vow, it made her feel like her salvation was sure, 2:1. How many people make prayerful promises to God for whatever dire need they beg for, and yet do not find the strength to keep their prayerful promise? What joy must be in a person’s heart, to keep a promise, especially to the LORD.
Hannah’s Faithful Sacrifice: Although Hannah must have physically missed so much of Samuel’s development, she proves it is never wise to discount the power of a praying mother! See 2nd Timothy 1:5. An anonymous Christian father has once said, “I pray often for the parents somewhere who are rearing the little girl who will some day marry my son, because I realize that the woman my little boy grows up to marry will help to determine his eternal destiny”.
Is it possible for a child to be well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed & well-educated, yet still be under-privileged? If yes, what are the most valuable privileges which can be given to a child?
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