Theme: THE POWER OF PRAYER
“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.” – 1 Samuel 1:27, 28.
Comment: Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, the son Jeroham. The other woman, Peninnah had children but Hannah whom their husband loved more was barren. She became an object of reproach by her enemies because she had no child. However, she believed that the Almighty God will grant her the desire of her heart and in the bitterness of her soul she prayed God to give her a son and that she would dedicate him to the service of God. – 1 Samuel 1:9-11.
As Hannah prayed silently, Eli the priest, who sat beside the door-post of the temple, observed that her lips moved but her voice was not heard and thought that she was drunken. But Hannah promptly told him what was disturbing her heart. And Eli said: “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:12- 17.
In fullness of time, God blessed Hannah with a son whom they named Samuel meaning “asked of God”. It should be noted that Hannah fulfilled her vow in appreciation of God’s goodness as stated in the text for today and God later blessed her with three sons and two daughters. (1 Samuel 1:19-28; 2:20,21) This example should serve as comfort and hope to all desiring the fruit of the womb. There is no impossibility with God. Scripture says: “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” – Psalm 113:9; See also Jeremiah 32:27,17.