Reflection:
Hannah is another woman from Scripture who was barren, yet God granted her a son who was set apart from birth (a Nazarite). Her son Samuel became a prophet, a priest, and a mighty and godly leader of God’s people. One of the key features of Hannah’s story is her despairing heart, and the prayer she offered to God in her misery. Hannah was childless, and provoked by her husband’s other wife, who had many children. Hannah was overwhelmed by grief because of her childlessness. She prayed that God would grant her a child and promised to dedicate her son to him. God remembered Hannah, and granted her request. After her son was weaned she took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, and gave him to the priest Eli, so that her son’s whole life would be given over to the Lord. Hannah goes on to pray once more. She delights in the strength that the Lord has granted her, and reflects on God as the one that helps the weak, and humbles the strong (1 Samuel 2:1-10). In Hannah’s weakness and despair, in her trust in God, and in her faithfulness in fulfilling her promise, God is glorified.Â
Have you ever desired something as fervently as Hannah desired a child? How can Hannah stand as an example to you?
Prayer:
Dear God, we stand with Hannah and acknowledge, ‘‘There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” We praise you that you heard and remembered Hannah. We thank you for her example of trust in you, and faithfulness to her promises. We pray too that our hearts will rejoice in you, that we may delight in your deliverance. Amen.Â