PRAYER MINGLED WITH TEARS

'In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly' 1 Samuel 1:10 

Hannah mingled her tears with her prayer because she was a woman of deep anguish. She was in deep anguish because she had never given birth to a child and she was the object of ridicule in her home, family and community. Sometimes those closest to us are the most uncharitable to us. His love and desire for her happiness guided Elkanah to give her a double portion for sacrifice (v.5) but, given human nature, this may have been used against her. Special attention in the home, family or community may further inflame an already inflammatory situation. Remember Joseph?


On this occasion Hannah was at the festivities with a very heavy heart and once the eating and drinking was over she knew she had some unfinished business with God. We cannot be certain if the worshippers had departed but Hannah had a private conversation with Jehovah. She spoke softly; none could hear her save God. Clearly she was convinced that God knew her heart and her desires. Eli’s conclusion that she was drunk (v.13) from all the feasting was a rash and hasty censorship and demonstrates the danger of spiritual leaders, and others, hastily censuring others and thinking people guilty of bad and unbecoming things while the matter is doubtful and unproved.

Let’s celebrate the humbleness of Hannah whose humility is evident in her thrice calling herself Jehovah's handmaid. Mary took a similar posture when God’s intention to engage the services of her body for the incarnation was disclosed (Luke 1:38). Hannah’s earnestness is revealed in her threefold repetition of the entreaty that God would look on her, and remember her, and not forget her (v.11). Hannah wanted a son and she specifically asked for a son and outlined her intentions and desires for him. The son given her is, first, to serve God for life and not for a stipulated number of years, as was the law with the Levites (Num. 4:3). Secondly, he is to be a Nazarite, an institution Moses inherited and regulated (Num. 6:2). She took all this to the Lord in prayer.

When I contemplate Hannah’s action I recall, as a child, seeing the adults sitting, before and after worship, whispering to God. I often wondered what they were whispering. Many persons are burdened by various disappointments and issues. Many have some unfinished business with God. Some are in great pains. What about you? Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1820- 86) asks “Have we trials and temptations?...Is there trouble anywhere?...Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?...Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer”.

Thought: Any unfinished business with God?

Prayer Focus: For Divine intervention into a critical personal of family situation.