Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah,who could not have any children whereas, his other wife Peninnah had children, this made Hannah very unhappy and tearful. Although her husband treated her with loving affection by giving her double portions of his sacrifices and shared one portion of the sacrifices with the other wife, his sons, and daughters. Elkanah understood that God had closed her womb.
But on this particular day Hannah would not eat and kept crying and her husband was questioning her why was her heart sad and why was she acting that way. He felt that she should be happy because she had him, who was worth more than ten sons. Hannah was deeply distressed and went to the Lord in prayer and made her request. Philippians 4:6-7, instructs the believer to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let his or her requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard his or her heart and minds in Christ Jesus.
This is what Hannah did she prayed and wept bitterly making her request known to God in addition to making this vow “Oh Lord of host if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant but give me, your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life and no razor shall touch his head” (that’s another story).
According to this story of Hannah, Eli the priest was sitting on a seat beside the doorposts of the temple, and had observed Hannah, at first, he thought she was drunk. She explained that she had a troubled spirit. And we know that there are times that we have a troubled spirit. The priest after hearing her petition told her to go in peace and the God of Israel grants your petition that you have made to him. She said let your servant find favor in your eyes and when she left the priest, she was no longer sad. And as the story goes Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, who she named Samuel who became a great judge and prophet.
Reflection:
Today we have the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ to take our prayers to and he tells us not to let our hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me (John 14:1). In John 15:14-17 (NIV) Jesus said, I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit, that will last and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Wind Gust 