HANNAH’S PRAYER
Intro:
1. Prayer should be a very important part of all our lives.
2. As a matter of fact, the New Testament directs us to "pray without ceasing." (1 Thess. 5:17)
3. We want to look at the prayer that Hannah offered. I think that we can learn at least three things about prayer from her example:
I. She Spoke In Her Heart. (v. 13)
A. Our prayers should originate in our hearts. (cf. Rom. 10:1)
B. Our prayers should not be superficial — without any thought or understanding on our part. (1 Cor. 14:15)
C. Prayer should not be just lip service to impress others with our "piety." (Matt. 6:5,7; Matt. 23:14)
D. Prayer should be sincere. (cf. Psalm 17:1)
1. Are we sincere when we pray for others? (3 John 2)
2. Are we sincere when we pray for our enemies? (Matt. 5:44) (Or are we like Jonah)
3. Are we sincere when we pray for the spread of God’s word? (2 Thess. 3:1-2)
4. Are we sincere when we pray to be delivered from temptation? (Luke 22:40; Matt. 6:13)
5. Are we sincere when we pray for our sins to be forgiven? (Matt. 6:12)
II. She Poured Out Her Soul Before The Lord. (v. 15)
A. Her prayer was fervent and earnest. (cf. Col. 4:12; James 5:16)
B. Christ also poured out His soul when he prayed.
1. In His prayer for unity. (John 17:14-23)
2. In His prayer in the garden. (Luke 22:41-44)
C. There are many occasions when it is necessary to pour our souls out before the Lord.
1. In times of grief. (cf. 2 Sam. 12:20)
2. In times of discouragement. (Ps. 88:1-4)
3. In times of persecution. (Ps. 142:1-7)
4. In times of trial and temptations. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
5. In times of sin. (James 5:16; Acts 8:22-24; 1 John 5:16)
III. Her Face Was No Longer Sad. (v. 18)
A. Prayer should make us feel better. It did so for Hannah. (Contrast v. 10 and v. 18)
B. One reason Hannah was no longer sad was that she had faith that God would grant her prayer. So should we. (Mark 11:24)
C. There are several reasons that prayer should make us feel better.
1. Through prayer we can find relief from suffering, sickness, and sin. (James 5:13-16; 1 John 2:1; Ps. 65:2-3)
2. We know God will take care of us. (Ps. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:7)
3. We know that we will be heard by Him, even if we have difficulty communicating our desires to Him. (cf. Rom. 8:26)
Concl:
1. When we pray do we pray from the heart?
2. Do we pour out our souls to the Lord?
3. Do we feel better afterwards?