An Ernest Petition

God's Creative Word
God Calls For Justice:  Justice Defined
The Heart of the Law

1 Samuel 1:12-20

The Message

 ^12-14 It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli was watching her closely. Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. He approached her and said, "You're drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!"
 ^15-16 Hannah said, "Oh no, sir—please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long."
 ¹⁷ Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him."
 ¹⁸ "Think well of me—and pray for me!" she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant.
 ¹⁹ Up before dawn, they worshiped God and returned home to Ramah. Elkanah slept with Hannah his wife, and God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked.

Dedicating the Child to God

²⁰ Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, "I asked God for him."

For Reflection

God answers prayers earnestly prayed.  In her desperation, Hanna prayed.  Hanna received more blessing than perhaps even she realized.  She became the mother of Samuel.  more importantly, she gave God the credit.  How often do you give God the credit for your blessings?

 

Pray

prayers of confession.  Confide your weaknesses.  Confess that you can no longer go it on your own.  Pray for the confidence that God will help.  Pray that you always give God the credit for your blessings.