Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 – Praying through the Bible #83 – A Prayer that Humbly Boasts
Prayer leads to prayer when prayer ends in fulfillment. That is, unless we forget to give thanksgiving, or forget what we had prayed. I wonder how many heavenly requests we actually remember. Of course, some are so “big” they could never be forgotten. And, some are so selfish we are embarrassed upon reflection.
Hannah prayed to God for a son, got a son, and gave back her son to God. The prayer song in 1 Samuel 1 is saying “thanks” but more. The prayer song recognizes God’s sovereignty, power, and concern for those forgotten. Our God is an upside down God. That is why in prayer we can humbly boast. I encourage you to read the original (1.1-10); but below is a modernization for Christians.
“I am bursting with joy because of Jesus. I am strong and uplifted by my Lord. I can humbly boast and declare victory. Why? I can’t help myself – I am bursting with joy in being saved by Jesus. There is no one holy and pure like my God – He is unlike anything and everything. There is no one except my Lord. He is solid ground, my rock in life. Do not brag with self-made pride, or speak arrogant words. Why? Jesus knows what you are doing and saying; and your “sticks and stones” words hurt – Jesus will hold you accountable. The self-strength of the so-called strong is broken. But contrary to the way of the world, the feeble wear the clothes of King Jesus as their strength. Those who had everything will stand on the corner with signs, “will work for food.” Those who went to bed hungry are no longer starving, no longer empty on the inside because they hunger and thirst after righteousness. The woman who aches for a full life will have love. But the woman who had everything will pine away alone and forgotten. Life and death are in the hands of Jesus. He sends the arrogant to the grave and resurrects in life and death the meek. Jesus brings poverty to the self-made man and gives spiritual wealth to the poor in spirit. Jesus humbles and Jesus exalts. Jesus raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage pile. Those considered garbage by society, Jesus seats with the respected, and gives the forgotten a position of honor. Why? Everything that is Jesus’ made. He has set the world on His creation – Jesus is in charge! Jesus protects the steps of His faithful ones. But unrepentant sinners perish in darkness, their own and eternity’s. Why? Because no one is strong enough to stand on their own, survive life, or win salvation by man-made strength – we are nothing without God. Those opposing Jesus will be shattered. He will bring them the storms of life. Jesus is the judge and will judge from beginning to end, everything and everyone. The Father gives power to His Son the King. He gives strength to His anointed, and that includes me and you. I humbly boast in Jesus.”
Prayer Challenge: Apply Hannah’s prayer to when we felt like nothing, only to find fulfillment. Always remember, when God answers a prayer, no matter the answer, to say thank you and praise Him.
Comments