1 Samuel 1:24-2:11
In times of difficulty, we should take our troubles to the Lord in prayer. When He rescues us, we should exult in Him and give thanks.
Hannah longed for a child, but was unable to conceive. Hannah did the only thing she knew to do: she poured her heart out to the Lord in prayer. God chose to answer her prayer, and she became the mother of Samuel, the last judge and first prophet in Israel. Samuel bore the responsibility of anointing David as king, and he is listed among the greats of the faith in Hebrews 11:32.
Once he was old enough, Samuel was brought to live in the temple. What follows from Hannah is not just a prayer, it is also a poem (and quite possibly, it was a song as well). The time and care she took to compose this demonstrates Hannah’s deep devotion to the Lord and her gratitude toward Him for answering her prayers.
Read 1 Samuel 1:24-1:28:
- What is the longest and hardest you’ve ever prayed for something?
- Have you ever been in the place Hannah sings about, where you had all you wanted but you weren’t full?
- How would you define joy? How is it different than happiness?
Read 1 Samuel 2:1-11:
- What works of God does Hannah mention in these verses?
- Discuss how God exerts strength in the power of His arm over the world.
- What contrasts or role reversals does Hannah make in this passage? How do these reflect her feelings about God? About herself?
Taking it Home:
- What are specific reasons God is a source of joy for you?
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Psalm 34
- Isaiah 61
- Psalm 138
- Zephaniah 3:11-20
- Psalm 126
- Isaiah 57:14-21