1 Sam 1:4-7(a) – On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. ESV
Guiding Commentary – Hannah, which means grace in Hebrew, was one of two wives to Elkanah who was a religious man, and she had not been able to conceive. The ability to bear children was a matter of significance to women in that culture, and Hannah suffered for many years in her barrenness. The other wife, Peninnah, was fruitful and used this fact to taunt Hannah as shown in our story. After this scene Hannah separated herself and spent time with the Lord pouring out her heart (read 1 Sam 1:1-20). She prayed for a child, and in due time, a male child called Samuel was born. After he was weaned, probably about age 4 in that time, he was taken to the temple and dedicated to the Lord and was left under the care of Eli the high priest. This was a promise that Hannah had made to God during her prayer time as she asked for a child. Hannah went on to have 5 other children.
In recovery we sometimes have “dry spells” where we feel barrenness, and we ought to respond to it just as Hannah did, by spending significant time in prayer for God to provide.
The Exercise – Read Hannah’s prayer found in 1 Sam 2:1-10. Consult with any commentaries or individuals you know might be able to help with your understanding of the prayer.
Now write a prayer in your own words, that uses Hannah’s prayer as a model, about you, your recovery and God. Share it with at least your sponsor, and any other people you believe would understand your heart in it.
Here is the model to use. Verse 1 – Rejoice in God, 2 – lift up your view of God’s holiness, 3- lift up your view of God’s wisdom, 4 – lift up your view of God’s strength, 5 – lift up your view of God’s providence, 6 – lift up your view of God’s authority over life and death, 7 – lift up your view of God’s material provision, 8 – lift up your view of how God raises the least up in life, 9 – lift up your view of His protection, and 10 – lastly lift up your view of what God might do to your adversaries. Remember that this does not have to be perfect! This prayer will be yours, and God will accept it just the way you write it.