I Asked Him of the Lord

Creation: A Divine Cycle
The Savior Has Been born

God Promises a Savior

1 Samuel 1:15-20  The Message

^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

Hannah, desperate for a child, pleaded with God and promised to dedicate her child to God.  Hannah, embarrassed that as the first wife had not born a child, wanted for herself.

God wanted for Hannah's people.  Samuel was the blessing, the last of the great judges.  We may want for ourselves, but, God wants for us all.  God gives what we want in accord with God's will for God's people.

Pray

prayers of thanksgiving and praise for the God who, while preserving our humanity, gives what people need.  Pray that God will fill your soul with the desire to do what God needs you to do.