Just Keep Praying

1 Samuel
Chapters 2-4

Chapter 2 begins with a beautiful prayer by Hannah that speaks about the Lord's holiness, righteousness, and mercy. These are key lessons Hannah has learned though her experiences in the previous chapter. Interestingly enough, there is a turn in the storyline in examining the wicked sons of Eli who take the prime cuts of meat from the sacrifice (v 12-17) and have adulterous relationships with the women at the sanctuary entrance (v 22). Eli's relationship to his sons and Hannah's desire to raise Samuel up in the Lord are in stark contrast. Eli's sons no doubt continued the “family business” of the priestly duties. They had an understanding when they were growing up that eventually it would be time for them to take over Eli's role as the Judge and High Priest of Israel. They did not understand that in God's kingdom, he has no grandchildren.

There are many people like Eli's sons. I was one of them. They are born into very religious families that have family worship each night, never miss any Sunday services, and the church is the center of their existence. Perhaps their father or mother is very involved in church. But there is a disconnect with their frequent religious activities and their shallow relationship with God. How easy is it to be religious and miss a chance to know the one all these activities are supposed to lead us to? I wonder if Eli explained the necessity for his sons to be able to speak and hear from God. Hannah perhaps prayed tremendously that this be the case for Samuel. She didn't just let him be a Nazarite by dropping him off with Eli, but she unceasingly prayed that Samuel come in contact with the God she had met.

God does not ignore our prayers. The importance of prayer can never be stressed enough. In a culture that esteems efficiency and the-blaze-through-everything-you-do attitude, it is difficult to show why prayer should a foundation behind all things a Christian does. Our actions must be fueled by constant prayers to God. If we fail to skip this step, those plans and goals will come down into vain and pointless ambitions.

What are you praying for? Who are those people in your life that you love so much that you are willing to intercede on behalf of them? I believe praying for others is one key element for God to grow a Christ-like love in us. Someone once said that prayer is the breathing of a Christian. Let us breathe and enjoy the eternal life that God has blessed us with today.