Suggested reading: 1 Samuel chapter 1 verses 8-18.
I wonder how many of us have had the thrill of being able to say about something or somebody, ‘For this I prayed!’ Such a possibility is open to the simplest soul from the most unimportant spot in the world. Have you ever stopped to consider the prospect of receiving an answer to a request you had sent to heaven itself?
Nestling between two peaks of the mountain range of Ephraim was the small village of Ramah. This seemingly unimportant spot was the humble starting point of the Israel’s kingdom history. It all started with a BURDEN. If we are not burdened about an issue, we will never have a desire to ‘take it to the Lord in prayer’, as the hymn writer expresses it. How often do you find yourself genuinely caring about an issue, so much so that you cannot refrain from bringing it to the Lord?
Days are filled with sorrow and care, hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Cast your care on Jesus today, leave your worry and care;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel chapter 2 verses 1-10) is a witness as to how much she cared. It features breathed commitment:
- It was PERSISTENT – she persevered – do we persevere in our prayers?
- It was PRODUCTIVE – it produced the thrill of receiving an answer – God listens and He answers!
- It was PASSIONATE – it breathes commitment and care.
- It was PRIVATE / PERSONAL – it showed how well she knew the Person she was praying to – do we?
- it contained A PROMISE / PLEDGE TO GOD – it is not all ‘take’ – if God gives, she will give in return – God needed Samuel more than she did!
- it revealed a PERSONAL KNOWLEDE OF GOD – the numerous names she ascribed to God testified to how well she knew Him – do we reveal this, when we pray?