I Samuel 1:9-27

More than anything Hannah wanted a child. She had prayed so fervently that she might be given a child. One day along with her petition she made a vow that if God granted her request, she would give the child back to God.

Remember she wanted this child more than anything in the whole wide world. She vows that if God gives her a child, she will give the child back to God. Without holding a child in her arms that was an easy vow to make.

 “Hannah trusted in God. Soon, her tears turned into joy. God gave her a son and she named him Samuel. Hannah was so happy! She laughed and danced and kissed him all over his little face. She sang lullabies to Samuel and held him close as he fell asleep. Soon, it was time for Hannah to keep the promise she had made to God.”

How easy would it be for Hannah to keep that promise? After snuggling with her son after having become the happiest person on earth, would she be able to honor that promise?

Making the vows is indeed very easy! It is keeping the vows that is hard. We know the truth of that statement. Hannah was a woman of her word and she did give back her son, Samuel, to the Lord. He would find joy in serving the Lord at the temple and Hannah would take solace in knowing what important work he was doing.

Though Hannah and Samuel lived long before photographs and recordings, I imagine she memorized every feature of her son, recalled the sound of his voice, and would never forget what it was like to hold that precious child in her arms.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, wouldn’t it be wonderful if all parents felt about their children the way that Hannah felt about Samuel? Children are special gifts and we pray that their parents may cherish them. We pray for those whose families do not include children and the great sorrow or regret they may feel. We pray for adoptive and foster parents who provide nurturing homes and who welcome them into their families! Grant that all these would help their children to grow in wisdom, in stature, ands in favor with You and all people. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.