A P romise Is a P romise A P romise Is a P romise 2011 Women’s D ay of P rayer

In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. And she made a vow 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.” 1 Samuel 1:10- 11

“She was a woman of fervent piety, gentle and unassuming; her character was marked with deep earnestness and a lofty faith.” Patriarch and Prophets, p. 569

“O Lord of hosts” she began her prayer, therefore declaring Him to be the host of heaven and earth, of everything He had created. These words also expressed her faith in His greatness and might.

“ Prayer is not an expiation for sin; it has no virtue or merit of itself. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but idle words if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart.

But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed, as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting it to be granted – this is the prayer of faith.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 86

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“The mother is the queen of the home, and the children are her subjects. She is to rule her household wisely, in the dignity of her motherhood. Her influence in the home is to be paramount; her word, law. If she is a Christian, under God's control, she will command the respect of her children.” The Adventist Home, p. 232

What about your promises to God? Have you promised Him your life? Your whole heart? Can you give Him your most loved treasure, as Hannah did? Would you like to renew your promise to the Lord as we finish this morning’s service?

Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages for Thee. Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; It shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is Thine own; It shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, I pour At Thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee. Frances Ridley Havergal ( )