Our scripture this morning is 1 Samuel 2:1-3.
Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. Do not go on boasting so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the Lord is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.”
Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, had been childless for many years when God responded to her prayer for a baby. What was her response to this? She prayed even more. She says “my heart rejoices in the Lord”. Compare her prayer to that of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:46-55).
God answers prayers in His own way and at exactly the right time for His purposes. Sometimes His reply is “not yet”. As humans we are often impatient and try to do things our own way. We can’t understand His reasons or His ways, but we know He wants only good for us and all of creation.
Hannah’s prayer of thanks tells us “there is no one holy like the Lord, nor is there any rock like our God”. We can count on God’s constant love and unchanging grace for us. While we may change our minds about things, God never wavers. He is the same today and always, calling each of us into connection with Him.
Loving Lord, we are thankful that You hear our prayers and answer according to Your will. Bless us to be obedient workers for Your kingdom, sharing the joy we have found in You with everyone. Amen.
