1 Samuel 1:13-15
"Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her
voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away
thy wine from thee. 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."
Hannah’s
heartfelt prayer revolutionized the way we pray. Hannah, who was barren,
quietly poured out her heart to God at the temple in Shiloh, praying for a
child and promising to dedicate him to God. The way she prayed was so unusual
that the priest Eli was sure she was drunk and scolded her. Hannah, most
dignified, told Eli that she wasn’t intoxicated; she was crying out to God.
From this short exchange, we learn many lessons about prayer. First, potent prayer is deeply emotional prayer. Second, a powerful way to pray is to speak directly to God, privately and quietly, like conversing with a parent or confidant — as opposed to formal prayers offered publicly, in grandiose fashion, which must have been the norm at that time. Third, prayer must be expressed through our lips, not just in our hearts. Even if prayer is quiet, our thoughts must become words. Words help create reality.
Hannah’s request was granted, and she gave birth to the prophet Samuel. Why did God make so many holy women barren? The only answer could be: "Because God desires the prayers of the righteous." God intentionally made those women, like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah, childless so that they would turn to Him in prayer.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I don’t pray so that "I will" get an answer?" "My Friend, our prayer is the answer." Prayer is not for God’s benefit; it’s for ours. Through prayer, we grow and change. When we pray, we evaluate what is truly important to us and regret past mistakes; we pledge to move forward with greater appreciation and dedication. Most importantly, we grow closer to God, deepening our connection to Him.
God wants the prayers of His people because He wants us to be the very best that we can possibly be. Sometimes God puts us into desperate situations because He wants us to turn to Him in prayer and grow into better people. We must realize that our challenges are never meant to be cruel, but are given with great love for our own good. As we change through our heartfelt prayers, we increase our capability to receive greater and greater blessings into our lives.
Amen!From this short exchange, we learn many lessons about prayer. First, potent prayer is deeply emotional prayer. Second, a powerful way to pray is to speak directly to God, privately and quietly, like conversing with a parent or confidant — as opposed to formal prayers offered publicly, in grandiose fashion, which must have been the norm at that time. Third, prayer must be expressed through our lips, not just in our hearts. Even if prayer is quiet, our thoughts must become words. Words help create reality.
Hannah’s request was granted, and she gave birth to the prophet Samuel. Why did God make so many holy women barren? The only answer could be: "Because God desires the prayers of the righteous." God intentionally made those women, like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah, childless so that they would turn to Him in prayer.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I don’t pray so that "I will" get an answer?" "My Friend, our prayer is the answer." Prayer is not for God’s benefit; it’s for ours. Through prayer, we grow and change. When we pray, we evaluate what is truly important to us and regret past mistakes; we pledge to move forward with greater appreciation and dedication. Most importantly, we grow closer to God, deepening our connection to Him.
God wants the prayers of His people because He wants us to be the very best that we can possibly be. Sometimes God puts us into desperate situations because He wants us to turn to Him in prayer and grow into better people. We must realize that our challenges are never meant to be cruel, but are given with great love for our own good. As we change through our heartfelt prayers, we increase our capability to receive greater and greater blessings into our lives.
Reading: 1 Sam. 1-28
Ref: HG SB
May God Bless You
And Your Family
Minister Robert Lail Sr.
The Cross Life Ministry
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