Renowned Prayers of the Bible Hannah & Solomon’s Prayers

3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the L ORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the L ORD. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the L ORD had closed her womb. [a] 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the L ORD had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the L ORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”a Hannah: 1 Samuel 1:3-20

9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the L ORD. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the L ORD and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O L ORD 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 L ORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 12 As she continued praying before the L ORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the L ORD. 1 Samuel 1:3-20 Cont.

16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the L ORD ; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the L ORD remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the L ORD.” 1 Samuel 1:3-20 Cont.

3 Solomon loved the L ORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the L ORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. Solomon’s Prayer 1 st Kings 3:

7 And now, O L ORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.

 Hannah experienced something very emotionally taxing, being barren and we see that that is of the Lord, He opens and closes the womb.  Hannah prayed out of her heart for God to meet her need and sought how she might give back to the Lord in what He was willing to give her, by giving Samuel to the Lord’s Service.  Hannah trusted in the Lord that He would answer her petition Conclusion

 Solomon in prayer remember God’s past works which lead to a greater faith in his future working of giving him an understanding spirit to govern Israel  Solomon asked not just primarily for himself, like some might, but asked for something in which he could upon receiving it, bless others through it  We see that when we seek to honor God, and choose to focus on others, God chooses to bless us, we all have stories about giving and then unexpectedly receiving Conclusion