Hannah's prayer

Hey,
Another week and the weekend went by quickly. I went to an art fair with Tiffani on Saturday and it was great. So many artists from around the country. She and I share a love of all things artistic (she's a potter). I splurged and bought some earrings.
Chuck was actually able to go to church and Sunday school with me yesterday! We had lunch, I walked Tucker then he headed out. I was a happy camper :))).
When I looked at the scripture for today, I'm reminded of friends over the years that wanted children and had a hard time conceiving, or like Lynn miscarried. So, Hannah's prayer speaks for many women through all walks of life. Please read 1 Samuel 1:9-18 and join me.....
One of the first things that stands out to me is Hannah's anguish. She wants a baby so badly. In Jewish culture, having a child meant that you had the Lord's favor and blessing. You can imagine what not having one meant. The whole society would count the woman as a second class citizen and wonder what sin she had. This was because it's God who opens and shuts wombs.
Nowadays we know that body chemistry plays into conception, or not. Our Lynn's progesterone level was really low and that's why she miscarried. Now, after proper supplements, she's doing really well.
Back to Hannah. She's praying fervently and Eli, the head priest sees her and thinks she's drunk! What's with that? We can't know how these things worked back then, but note that she was praying directly to God.
After she and Eli get the facts straight, Eli then blesses her with "go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him." Eli believed Hannah. He could see her anguish and fervent need from the Lord.
Also note that she went away, ate and wasn't downcast anymore. She believed/ trusted that God would answer her prayer with a baby and that gave her peace where before was a storm of emotions.
If you read verses 19-20 you see that Hannah does conceive and Samuel is born, taking away Hannah's disgrace among the Israelites. I really like the story of Samuel and you will too, so just keep reading and enjoy what the Lord does through this woman who went to God with her request, trusted and saw the fruit.
Can you imagine when Samuel became a priest and was used so mightily by God? I don't know if Hannah got to see this. Also, she weaned him (age 4-5) and gave him to the Lord (what a sacrifice!). That meant that he went to the temple and was raised by the priests, specifically Eli. Eli was a horrible father to his own sons (2:12-36), but he did really well with Samuel. That's what happens when the Lord is in control, to accomplish His good purposes.
What is obvious from this is that we can go directly to God with our requests and that He answers them, according to His good purpose. He delights to give us good things, but we need to be obedient and trust.

Trusting Him,
Sandy