Hannah's Prayer of Faith and Commitment
Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”
(1 Samuel 1: 10, 11)
It is so encouraging and faith-building to look up to prayers as examples; prayers that were asked in faith and commitment. I had earlier, in one of my devotions titled "God Remembered a Mother's Prayer," shared the wonderful testimony of Hannah, the mother of Samuel the prophet. In that reflection, I had shared with you the marvellous and miraculous way in which God answered this childless mother's prayer for a child, and how wonderful the answer was. Samuel was a joyous gift in Hannah's life and a historical mark in Israel's history. Samuel became a prophet to the nation of Israel and an anointer of kings. What a way to answer a humble prayer of faith and commitment! Noticing these two components of Hannah's prayer, I am encouraged to share this reflection on what we could learn from this humble request of a mother that was made in God's presence.
The 'Faith' in Hannah's prayer
Hannah's prayer expresses her faith and commitment! Putting it into very casual terms, after years of waiting for a child, Hannah finally went in for a deal! Yes, it was a deal that started with a huge "IF." Hannah says, "If you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you" (1 Samuel 1: 10). For a general discussion, this one word "if" at the beginning itself questions the faith that Hannah had. As long as we focus on that "if" Hannah's faith remains questionable. We may tend to ask, then how can it become a prayer of faith. But can I invite you to have a look at the great declaration of faith Hannah makes, just before that controversial "if?"
Hannah proclaims her faith by declaring that she is praying to "The Lord of Heaven's Armies." That was the foundation of her faith. Hannah knew very well that she was kneeling in prayer at the presence of the God of heavenly hosts and the Almighty God. She was so assured in the power of the Lord that she begins by proclaiming that power in her faith. And then, based on that assurance she has in the Lord, she continues to pour out her heart. This is the faith that we see in Hannah's prayer. Even in the midst of all the struggles, emptiness and sorrow in her life, she knows in whom she trusts. In the middle of so much bitterness in her life, Hannah remembers who her God is!
The 'Commitment' in Hannah's prayer
Hannah's expression of faith does not stop with that initial proclaim of God's power. It continues into the next few expressions of her 'deal.' This is a commitment that is made not by human abilities, but purely by faith. Hannah makes a commitment in her humble prayer. "...I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut” (1 Samuel 1: 11). Look at that! So much in detail. Do you really think a mother without a child, and who is overwhelmed with anguish and sorrow will be able to look beyond what she could see? Don't you think that she would first ask for a child, and then would be able to think what to do with the child's life? Aren't we able to hear those faithless words of a common childless mother who would say "give me a son, and I will see what can be done in return?"
This is where Hannah's prayer becomes important. She makes a detailed commitment and this commitment is purely out of the faith that she had in the Lord. She was able to see in faith beyond what the human possibilities could see. She still doesn't have any possible signs of bearing a child, but she is all set in faith with her details of his life, even to the extent of not shaving his hair. Yes! And that was the extent to which Hannah believed in her Lord her God. Her detailed commitment made in this prayer again becomes the expression of her faith. And let us remember that the Lord loves it when His children, having so much of faith in Him, are able to dream and desire things that are even beyond human possibilities.
Today, as we stand next to Hannah in the temple who is in deep anguish and crying bitterly as she prays to the Lord, let us remember to cherish these two important elements in her prayer. Hannah's prayer is a reminder of faith and commitment that should be essential parts of our prayers. Let us seek God in faith and commitment, as we continue to see the wonderful and marvellous things He will do when humble, faith-filled and commitment making prayers reach His throne of grace.
May the mighty power and blessings of God the Father, the love and grace of Christ Jesus the Son, and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit help us to pray with faith and commitment as continue to seek His presence in our lives.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
"I Stand In Awe"
Chris Tomlin ~ ft. Nicole Serrano
