Hannah: Trust-Filled Prayer November 19

Admit it, now … What’s something you know you should be doing but haven’t started yet? Some of these tasks are doable, others seem hopeless (diet and exercise) It’s easy to just succumb to the attitude of hopelessness Today we study about Hannah who prayed to God about her seemingly hopeless situation Christ-centered living chooses prayer, not hopelessness.

Listen for emotions expressed. 1 Samuel 1:9-11 (NIV) Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow,

Listen for emotions expressed. saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

Bring Your Needs to God What words or phrases describe Hannah’s emotional state when the feasting ended? What was the gist of her prayer? What are some reasons people might hesitate to bring their needs to the Lord? If Hannah lived today, what might she have done to help solve her particular problem?

Bring Your Needs to God Why is it more important to take our problems and requests to God? What was the momentous promise she made to God?

Listen for the results of her prayer. 1 Samuel 1:17-18, 26 - 28 (NIV) Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. … 26 and she said

Listen for the results of her prayer. to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.

God Hears Your Prayers and Answers What brought about a sense of peace to Hannah? What did the presence of newfound peace allow her to do? How did Hannah’s mood change after she had prayed? In a subsequent visit to Shiloh, what was Hannah’s testimony?

God Hears Your Prayers and Answers What action did Hannah take that proved the sincerity of her vow to the Lord and her gratitude for His work in her life? What about this vow … as a parent, what kind of reaction do you feel? A good vow Over the edge! And yet, God heard her vow and honored it!

God Hears Your Prayers and Answers Consider what we know about Samuel’s role in the nation of Israel. Last ruler/leader in a line of “judges” Anointed the first two kings of Israel Spiritual leader in early years of the kingdom

God Hears Your Prayers and Answers What kinds of things has God given us that we could give back to Him as an act of praise and worship and devotion? Consider some promise you made to God at one time or another …  Look for ways in which you can actually carry out on that promise this week.

Listen for a prayer of praise. 1 Samuel 2:1-3 (NIV) Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 "There is no one holy like the LORD;

Listen for a prayer of praise. there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 3 "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

Respond to God With Thankful Praise What was her prayer? What was the prevailing emotion of Hannah’s prayer? What traits of the Lord are highlighted in these verses?

Respond to God With Thankful Praise Why can God be trusted? What are some practical ways to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude?

Application Offer thanks. What are three things for which you have not thanked God? Pause right now, and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for those things.

Application Memorize. Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Let it be a reminder to take your needs to God and trust His answer.

Application Journal. Begin a gratitude journal. Spend a few moments each day writing specific prayers of gratitude. Watch how your heart begins to change.

Hannah: Trust-Filled Prayer November 19