Our pastor's sermon last Sunday was about Hannah, the mother of Samuel. One thing that struck out at me was that she prayed specifically. The odds were against her, her rival taunted her, yet she prayed from the depths of her soul and dedicated the result of that prayer to the Lord, Jehovah Jireh. After Samuel was born, she literally gave him back to the Lord's service at an age when most of us are just starting to get a glimpse of our little ones' personalities
There are so many applications, the most obvious being waiting for the gift of a child (or another.) I have so many friends who have struggled with infertility or pregnancy loss and perhaps that story will provide some encouragement.
For me at this point in time, the reminder is much more general. Be specific. Pray specifically. Philippians reminds me, "6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Hannah was anxious, but after she gave that anxiety to the Lord (Eli thought she was drunk when she was praying at the temple,) her answer eventually came. How often have I been drunk with uncontrolled anxiety or fear? Sometimes that seems to be my dwelling place far more than life in the Spirit.
