Earlier this week I was reading from First Samuel and the realized it had been quite a long time since I had read about Hannah. One of the great stories in the Old Testament is that godly woman.  Not often discussed, but a one who wanted to serve the Lord.  Her story is found in the first two chapters of 1st Samuel.  We'll read the chapters this morning and then point out the different examples that we can learn from today.

1) EVEN GODLY PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS
    A. Her womb was closed and she was taunted by her rival - 1: 1-8
    B. It didn't deter Hannah from remaining faithful to the Lord.  She continued her worship year after year.  1:7
    C. What about Job?
    D. Read vss 9-18 to glean more information about our service.

2) WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM HER PRAYER?
    A. Even though in anguish, she had faith that God would help her.
    B. Acts 1:14 - prayer should be a devotion.  Col 4:2; James 5:16, I John 5:14-15
    C. Her prayer was heartfelt, sincere and with a profound faith.

3) DOES THE LORD REMEMBER HIS OWN?
    A. I Sam 1: 19-20 - He remembered and blessed her with a son, Samuel.
    B. What are the prerequisites for His blessings?  We must ask according to His will and abiding in His word.
         I John 5:14 and John 15:7
    C. He will do what is in our best interest - Rom 8:28

4) A PROMISE MADE AND A PROMISE KEPT
    A. 1:22-28 - can you imagine how difficult it must have been for her to carry out that promise, but she did it!
    B. Matt 5:33ff - How does Jesus feel about keeping a vow?  Also look at James 5:12.
    C. Do people sometimes make prosises in difficult circumstances , only to back out later on?  Remember those in the foxhole..

5) WHAT PRAISE HANNAH GAVE JEHOVAH!
    A. Read the wonderful account of praise - 2: 1-10
    B. We should all have the same attitude of praise - Ps 66:8; Rev 19:5; 1Chr 16:9
    C. We are to rejoice always - 1 Thess 5:16
    D. Psa 18:49 - Are we thankful when we receive blessings? Heb 13:15

Quite simply, Hannah is wonderful example of a faithful woman who kept her promises and thanked God for all His wonderful blessings. What a profoundly wonderful example for us today!