Click to join the conversation with over 500,000 Pentecostal believers and scholars
Bill Stockham | PentecostalTheology.com
Hanna, the mother of Samuel, prayed this prayer:] “…if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid [she was childless BEFORE God answered her prayer] and remember, and not forget Your handmaid but will give me a son, I WILL GIVE HIM TO THE LORD ALL HIS LIFE…” (1 Sam. 1:11) [Our Abba Father honors our commitments!] “HANNAH PRAYED, and said, My heart exults [glories] and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; THERE IS NO ROCK LIKE OUR GOD. Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance go forth from your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and BY HIM ACTIONS ARE WEIGHED.” (1 Sam. 2:1-3) [Hannah intermingled tears with her prayers; she reflected the mercy of our God, who knows the troubled soul. God gives us permission, in prayer, not only to ask good things in general, but to declare that special good thing we most need and desire. She spoke tenderly, none could hear her. Hereby she testified her belief of God’s knowledge of the heart and its desires.] “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “FOR THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH ARE THE LORD’S; on them he has set the world. HE WILL GUARD THE FEET OF HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. “HE WILL GIVE STRENGTH TO HIS KING AND EXALT THE HORN OF HIS ANOINTED.” (1 Sam. 2:7-10) [This is such an awesome prayer from a mother who was about to leave her ONLY SON in the hands of Eli, to be used of God to save Israel!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that GOD WILL GUARD THE FEET OF HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS!
-Bill Stockham
Gray Watson
I really enjoyed reading this post! It beautifully highlights the importance of prayer and commitment to God, as exemplified by Hannah’s story. According to research by the Pew Research Center, many people find strength and comfort in their faith during difficult times, much like Hannah did when she prayed for a son (Pew Research, 2019). Her story reminds us that God listens to our heart’s desires and that our prayers can reflect our deepest longings. It’s uplifting to see how God honors commitments made in faith, showing us that He values our promises. Moreover, the way Hannah expresses her joy in God’s salvation is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. The message about God’s sovereignty over wealth and poverty also resonates deeply; it emphasizes that humility and reliance on God are key aspects of spiritual life (Christianity.com). Overall, this piece encourages us to trust in God’s timing and plan for our lives while reminding us that He is always there for His faithful servants!