On Thursday night we looked at the prayers of Hannah in 1 Samuel.First, we read 1 Samuel 1:1-18:
We discussed our initial thoughts or questions, and then considered in v.11:
- "maid-servant"/"hand-maiden" x 3, significance?
- "LORD" meaning "Yahweh" x 2, significance?
- what "affliction"?
- "look upon"/"remember" - significance?
in v.10:
- "bitterness" and "weeping" - significance?
And how does this prayer speak to you?
Some of the things we spoke about were the honesty of her prayer - to God, and in front of others; her confidence in God and following through of her vow; God's faithfulness; praying with a genuine heart; etc.
We then read 1 Samuel 1:19-2:11. After sharing our intial thoughts and questions we focussed on vv.1-10:
- What strikes you?
- What speaks to you?
We spoke about remembering to praise God when he answers prayers; remembering to pray in the good times and not just in the bad; God is in control, we don't achieve by our own might; it is God who builds up the humble and breaks down the mighty, etc.
Did I miss anything? Has anyone had any thoughts on Hannah's prayers or your own prayer life since then?
1 comment:
I think there are similarities in Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55.
They are both prayers of joy in what God has done in remembering his lowly servants and in achieving the impossible.
Both prayers also talk about God exalting the lowly and bringing down the self-exalted.
Any thoughts?
Post a Comment