Living in the Spirit
November 10, 2015

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:4-20

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore, Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.’ But Hannah answered, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.’ Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ And she said, ‘Let your servant find favor in your sight.’ Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer. –1 Samuel 1:12-18

Ever poured yourself out to God as Hannah does in our scripture above? Paul describes it in Romans 8:26: Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. I find great comfort in this scripture for it almost seems a daily occurrence anymore when situations arise about which I am at a loss for words. A young woman seemingly, purposefully drives into a crowd of people at a parade, bombs are planted on planes full of people, earthquakes and fire ravage the land, and children are killed in the crossfire of police involved shootouts. How do I make a difference in a world like that?

Like Hannah, I think, we are all called to make a difference. Her prayer for a son was answered, her promise to give him to God was also, and we benefit even today because of the work and wisdom of her son Samuel. What we do and how we love in this world today matters. It matters in our everyday lives as we desire children and rear them. It matters when we invest our time, talent, and energy in making a difference for others. It matters when we can find rest for our own weary souls as we strive to be a part of the fruition of God’s kingdom throughout this earth.

Today, is a good day to present our indescribable frustrations, loss of hope, need for peace to God and allow the spirit the privilege of praying for us.

Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God*. Amen

*Chorus from Near to the Heart of God by Cleland B. McAfee see at http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/neartoth.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.