1 Samuel 1:26-28 KJV: Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Story of Hannah's Prayer
In 1 Samuel 1:26-28, we find a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving by Hannah, a woman of great faith and devotion to God. Hannah's story is one of hope, perseverance, and ultimately, joy.
The Background
Hannah was a childless woman, and in those days, it was considered a curse from God. She was deeply troubled by her situation and prayed fervently to God for a child. One day, while praying at the temple, Eli, the priest, saw her lips moving but heard no sound. He approached her and asked if she was drunk. Hannah explained her situation, and Eli, seeing her sincerity, blessed her and told her that God would grant her request.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving
Fast forward to 1 Samuel 1:26-28, where Hannah returns to the temple with her son Samuel, whom she had dedicated to God's service. She comes with a heart full of gratitude and thanksgiving, saying:
"And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord. 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. And he worshipped the Lord there." (1 Samuel 1:26-28, KJV)
In this prayer, Hannah:
- Acknowledges God's sovereignty: She addresses Eli as "my lord," recognizing God's authority in her life.
- Remembers God's faithfulness: She recalls her previous prayer and God's answer, giving thanks for the gift of Samuel.
- Dedicates Samuel to God: She reaffirms her vow to dedicate Samuel to God's service, demonstrating her commitment to fulfilling her promise.
Lessons from Hannah's Prayer
Hannah's prayer teaches us:
- The power of persistent prayer: Hannah's persistent prayer was answered, showing us that God hears and responds to our prayers.
- The importance of gratitude: Hannah's thankful heart reflects the gratitude we should have for God's blessings in our lives.
- Keeping our vows: Hannah's dedication of Samuel to God's service demonstrates the importance of keeping our promises to God.
May Hannah's prayer inspire us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, persistence, and faithfulness in our own walks with God.
