She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer - "Self-Concerned No More"

 

In the early hours, the household was bustling.  Everyone was getting ready for the trip, even the children.  The journey to Shiloh would take the large family across more than 20 mil/es of the hilly country of Ephraim.  The trek would last a day or two on foot. Hannah knew how her rival wife would act.  However, Hannnah did not stay at home. She thus set a worthy example for  worshippers of God to this day. It is never wise to let misconduct of others interfere with our worship of God. Were we to do so, we would miss out on th every blessings that strengthen us to endure. 

After a long day of walking on winding mountain roads, the large family at last approached Shiloah.  There it say, on a hill ringed by higher hills. As they approached,  Hannah likely thought a great deal  about what she would say in prayer to Jehovah.  Once they arrived, the family shared a meal.  Hannah pulled away from the group as soon as she could and made her way to the tabernacle.  High Priest Eli was there, sitting near the doorpost.  But Hannah's focus as on her God. Here at the tabernacle, she felt confident that she would be heard.  If no one else could fully understand her plight, her Father in heaven could.  Her bitterness welled up within her, and she began to weep. 

As the sobs racked her body, Hannah spoke within herself to Jevovah.  Her lips quivered as she mental/lhy formed the words to express her pain. And she prayed at length, pouring out her heart to her Father. She did more, though, than just ask God to fulfill her desperate urge to bear offspring.  Hannah was keen not only to receive blessings from her God but also to give him what she could. So she made a vow, say that if she had a son, she would dedicate the child to a life of service to Jehovah. - 1 SAMUEL 1:9-11.

Hannah then set an example for all of God's servants when it comes to prayer. Jehovah kindly invites he people to speak to hm openly, without reservation, pouring out their concerns before him as a trusting child would to a loving parent.  (Read PSALM 62:8; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17.) The apostle Peter was inspired to write  these comforting words about prayer to Jehovah: "Throw all  your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you." - 1 PETEAR 5:7.

Next time: She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer - Conclusion of "Self-Concerned No More"

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