In the Old Testament book of first Samuel we find the story of a praying woman. We will consider 1 Samuel 1:10,12-16.
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Hannah was barren. It is believed that her husband Elkanah had taken a second wife, Peninnah, so he could have children by her. Peninnah fulfilled her purpose well. She had many sons and daughters.
Verse 6 tells of the conflict between the two women:
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.
Now, Elkanah loved Hannah and treated her special on their annual worship pilgrimage to Shiloh. It was on one of those sojourns in Shiloh that Hannah finally poured out her soul before the Lord.
Let us consider her manner of coming before God. Read the descriptive words in regard to her approach to the Divine as she makes her request known.
She was in bitterness of soul. Wept sore. She continued praying. She
spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard.
Then see how she describes herself to Eli the priest. He had never seen someone pray like Hannah prayed. He mistook her for being drunk. She clarifies the matter.
I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I…but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
For out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
The intensity with which this woman prayed is unparalleled. It required a response. The priest spoke God’s mind on the matter in verse 17: Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
That word from the man of God assured her that her prayer was heard and would be answered. Everything changed.
18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
Many times our prayers are so shallow. There are situations that require deeper earnestness and fervency. Romans 8:26 speaks of Holy Spirit inspired prayers described as groanings which cannot be uttered.
Hannah’s prayer got results. Verse 20 says: …she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord. Hannah had her man child. Samuel, the great prophet of Israel, accomplished more that all the sons and daughters of Peninnah put together.
Hannah prayed again. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 records that different prayer.
Verse 1 tells us: And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
The next nine verses comprise Hannah’s victorious praise.
Prayer changes things. Really. -PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
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