1 Samuel 2:1-10

There are two prayers which fell from the lips of Hannah. The first is described in chapter 1 of 1 Samuel. It was a prayer full of weeping, of confession and of tears.

It was following the birth of her son, and his weaning, that Hannah’s second recorded prayer was given. The prayer was offered when the child was brought to the Tabernacle and dedicated to God.

With her gift made, and her son offered to God as a willing sacrifice, Hannah could not withhold her prayer or her song.

Sometimes we vainly imagine that joy comes through selfishness, from holding back from God our most cherished possessions; such is never the case. Joy comes when all is placed upon the altar. We wish to mention the four opening statements of Hannah’s prayer. You will find them in verse 1.

• “My heart rejoices in the Lord.”

Would that more prayers were prayers of praise; would that Christians had more of joy and less of tears. “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). When we think of the Apostle Paul, we think of one who suffered, perhaps more than any other, for Christ’s sake, but we also think of one who rejoiced more. In the Book of Philippians it is “joy” and “rejoice” all the way through.

• “My horn is exalted in the Lord.”

This is Hannah’s second statement. Her horn was exalted; that is, a new power had come into her life. She had been lifted out of weakness, far above the infirmities of her flesh, and now she exulted in a new strength in the Lord. When we have placed our all on the altar God will be sure to put a new power into our lives.

• “I smile at my enemies.”

In the first chapter we read of the adversaries who had provoked her; now her adversaries are overcome. When we get into a large place in the Lord, we will have perfect victory over our foes.

• “I rejoice in Your salvation.”

Hannah took nothing of credit to herself. She knew where she dwelt - in the place of victory - in the place of rejoicing - in the place of power. To Him she gave the glory. Let us do likewise.

Guard your heart. Teach your children. Watch and pray.