March 19, 2026 - 1 Samuel 1-2

Elkanah’s wife, Hannah, had no children, a situation that grieved her terribly, not only because she longed to be a mother but also because of the taunting Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah.  Hannah “was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly” (1:10).  To the priest, Eli, who had accused Hannah of being drunk (being that she prayed silently in her heart though her lips moved), Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD” (1:15).  And so, “in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, I have asked for him from the LORD” (1:20).  Having received the answer to her prayer, Hannah further prayed, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD” (2:1).  The lesson seems simple.  God delights to honor our prayers and, having received his answers, we should always thank and praise him.

Great Shepherd of thy people, hear,

thy presence now display;

as thou hast given a place for prayer,

so give us hearts to pray.

May we in faith receive thy word,

in faith present our prayers,

and in the presence of our Lord

unbosom all our cares.

The hearing ear, the seeing eye,

the contrite heart, bestow;

and shine upon us from on high,

that we in grace may grow.   –John Newton (1790)