1 Samuel 1: 13-18
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine.”
“Not so my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
A Thought
Elkanah had two wives; one was Hannah who had no children and the other was Peninnah who had children. Year after year Hannah was irritated and brought to tears by Peninnah. In todays story we find Hannah in fasting and deep prayer before the Lord asking for a son. Hannah promises God that she will give her son back to God for all the days of his life. Hannah stood firm in fasting and prayer until Eli the priest told her to go in peace and may God grant her prayer. Is there anything we need to stand firm in fasting and in prayer until we believe God will take care of our troubles?
Our Prayer
Father help us to stand firm in prayer for our needs and for the needs of others. Teach us how to deny ourselves of the pleasures of the flesh; to seek you in the Spirit even if it means to go without eating and remember, never give up in Jesus’ name, Amen.
