Hannah's Prayers - 1 Samuel 1-2

INTRO/ILLUST

REVIEW - Devoted prayer, the mark of a believer

therefore- the mark of the believing MOM is devoted prayer

1) Hannah’s story

A. Childless

Sad, Faithful, Prays

Prays

B. Samuel born

Happy, Faithful, Prays

2) Importance of Hannah’s Relationship to the Lord

Helps that she knows God and how He works

Children are God’s, they are gifts to us, for us to give back to them

Children were God’s, could be redeemed for 5 shekels, and then later re-given to God - symbolism was huge

Hannah’s promise is that of a Nazirite vow, a promise to have Samuel “before the Lord” all his life.

Though Samuel is young, he is taught diligently

Credit to Elkanah for faithfulness, and even allowing Hannah to make her own petitions.

Faithfully

At age of 3, he knows his mother is sincere

She has COVERED him with prayer!

Her prayer is not for her, or for Samuel, but to benefit the Lord and His plan/will

We may pray for our children, but do those prayers reflect what WE want for them, or what GOD wants for them

Are we proud of our children because of them, or are we thankful to God for using them?

3) The Ideal Structure of Moms’ Prayers

An analysis, if you will, prayers in chapters 1 and 2

Pray believing

James 1:6 NASB95

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

James 4:3 NASB95

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

;

james 1:6

Hannah Prayed, and God answered exactly, specifically

She prayed with wisdom, believing, God’s will

She named her son for the Lord!

Prayed Thankful - for salvation, v1

Acknowledged God’s Holiness, v2

Relied on God’s Strength, v4

God is strong to the weak, who know they need Him

Moms need Him

Trusted God’s Sovereignty, vv 6-8

Knows that God Protects His Children, v9

God is the Judge

His judgments are pure

He judges, He gives strength

SO WHAT?

So…Women of faith played a huge, legitimate role in shaping the history of God’s people

So…Women of faith (MOMS!) play a huge, legitimate role in...

...shaping the family

...raising up children to serve Him

A woman of faith (Hannah, you) can trust God in everything, to the end!

Hannah knew what she could control, what she could contribute

Not worried about those around her, although they made her sad, or thought her drunk

Knows the area God has given her to influence

She let God work in her, through her, for Him

She prayed for all those people around her, but she let Gad change her, work in her, and THEN others saw, and could respond in kind

CONCL.

Moms, you have a tough job.

Sorry that we men make that job more difficult for you at times

God knew, in His wisdom, who to give your job to

God knows that, if you submit to HIS strength and control, the lives of your children and those around you will change, for His glory?

Believe it?

Hannah did. She prayed. Oh, how she prayed!