Lord,
Today I come before you with a heart that is, at times, so much like Hannah’s. I see the portions you give to others, I see the fullness in their homes, and at times, Lord, I feel as though only a single portion remains for me, even though you love me.
I hear voices that grieve and provoke me; sometimes they are the voices of others, and sometimes they are merely my own fears, reminding me of my emptiness.
Like Hannah, I no longer want to weep in silence and refuse comfort. I want to bring my pain directly to you, into your house, before your face, because I know that you hear me.
“In her deep anguish she prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1:10)
Lord, look on your servant’s misery
Like Hannah, I too make a vow before you today—not as a bargain, but as an act of complete surrender.
“And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”” (1 Samuel 1:11)
Lord, I am not asking only for myself; I promise you that every gift you bestow on me will be consecrated to you. You are the one who sees my pain and stoops down to me in my distress.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Lord, remember me
You are the God who remembers. You remembered Sarah when all seemed impossible, and you proved to her that with you, there are no barriers.
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:14)
You heard Isaac’s prayer and remembered Rebekah in her barrenness.
“Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.” (Genesis 25:21)
In your great love, you remembered Rachel and opened her womb.
“Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive.” (Genesis 30:22)
And just as you remembered Hannah, I believe that you will remember me also. This is my experience of the living God.
“And the LORD remembered her.” (1 Samuel 1:19)
You know the plans you have for me, plans for hope and a future.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Your word is a promise, one that was also fulfilled for Zechariah.
“But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”” (Luke 1:13)
I accept your word of peace, which you place in my heart today, and I believe that you have already heard my prayer.
“Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”” (1 Samuel 1:17)
For me, this is a prayer for a new beginning, as I delight myself in you and entrust to you the desires of my heart.
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
The day will come when I will be able to testify to your faithfulness and my answered prayer.
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:27)
I believe in your promise that you give the childless woman a home and make her a joyful mother.
“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.” (Psalm 113:9)
And then, Lord, my heart will rejoice in you alone.
“My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high.” (1 Samuel 2:1)
Amen.
Amen.
AMEN!!!