A Prayer that Changed History

Pastor Bill preached on "A Prayer that Changed History" out of 1 Samuel 1:1-20 today, May 4, 2014, as part two of the sermon series, Lessons from the Life of Samuel.

Here are the sermon notes.

Hannah's prayer:

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11 ESV)

1 - This is a prayer born out of pain and despair.

2 - This is a prayer of submission. She says "I am your servant," recognizing God is her master.

3 - This is a prayer of surrender. She says she will give Samuel back to God.

4 - This is a prayer without reservation, as she trusts completely in God.

Hannah knew that she must have told Jesus everything on her heart. Let her be an example for our prayer life!

Reflection:

What's the content and character of your prayer?

What can you learn from Hannah that would change your prayer life?