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Treasure Digest: The Prayer of Hannah: a Fine Example Prayer

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Treasure Digest

The Prayer of Hannah: a Fine Example Prayer

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Although we know Hannah prayed many times before asking God for something she desired greatly, the example prayer that God had recorded for us to contemplate in 1 Samuel 2 was one of gratitude and praise, acknowledging God's providence.

Notice that Hannah's prayer starts with joy, because of personal experience. Then she generalizes that great truth: Nothing can compete in any way with God (1 Samuel 2:1-2)!

When we rightly view God, we are humbled again and again. What do we know? What can we do? Virtually nothing by ourselves. But with God's power and grace, any one of us can succeed (1 Samuel 2:3-4).

Every good "break" comes from God—our daily bread, the ability to enjoy anything, even life itself (or death with the hope of the resurrection)—every good proceeds from God. And God writes the script that we heroically or tragically enact. He is the great writer. If we play our part wittingly, whether star or support cast, we will share in the final applause. God has set the stage perfectly (1 Samuel 2:5-8).

Finally Hannah acknowledges again that God loves His own. They, too, are human, but they are His! Arrogance and pride seem to be the hallmark of wickedness. God's people may need to wait, to suffer, but they will be vindicated. Thank God (1 Samuel 2:9-10).

Hannah's prayer is beautiful.

— Skip Miller
an elder in San Diego, California