First Book of Samuel
Chapter 1
1. There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 1)
Oh God my Father, all that You create, or permit to be created, You always do so for a particular reason, that we are not always aware of. At times we might be grateful that we were born of a particular family especially if one's name or surname is uncommon as that of my colleague at work whose surname is 'Ridewood',. However, there are those of us, who are not proud at all of their roots and this may have a negative impact on their self-image. There are some of us, who may think of themselves as being nobodies, but for Jesus Christ, we are all precious and of intimate value. He gave us this family and not a more degrading one, for on reflecting the family could always have been better or even worse because, Oh God You wish us to be saved by that same family. On having been created we build up a chain of those who have contact ones with whom we will be saved, because we have the responsibility both for our salvation with Your grace and mercy, and we are also responsible with love for that of others, especially of our family members and those of our inner and even outer circles. Amen.
2. He had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
(First book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 2)
Elkanah was married to two women, of which their names were Hannah who as her name signified was a 'gift to the world' and Peninnah whose name meant 'pearl' which signified that of a precious possession.
Oh God, as much as these two women's names had the following significance they reflect alot about themselves, as much as our names reflect about ourselves. Oh, how precious it would be if husbands treated their. wives as gifts of God instead of prized possessions that on the day of purchase they have immense value but after some time in marriage this value starts gradually decreasing as we both discover each others strengths and weaknesses, however, if we value each other as gifts we will value each other and consider as special, however,r if we value each others, as commodities the outcome will be totally different Amen.
3. Now this man used to go up year by year from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. 4. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5. but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 3 to 5)
Oh God my Father how merciful You are, even though we may be passing through crisis or negative situations such as infertility, You still love and support us by means of others as in the case of Elkanah. Oh God above all may we find our love, support and care in You as a priority instead of in others Amen.
6. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 6)
Oh God my Father this is indeed very cruel to be persecuted for something that we have no blame of. I empathise with all women who cannot bear children even though, I am not a woman myself. I feel the urge to lift up a prayer to God so that He will open up all closed wombs and make them fertile;
Almighty God my Father, I pray on You to have mercy on such women who according to the ways of the world have been declared to be infertile. I had also been declared as having been diagnosed to be chronically suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and You healed me. I pray to You that as You did not close the wombs of Your people while in Egypt but multiplied their born children, You are able to remove all obstacles leading to an infertile womb. You are a God of life and not death, therefore life flows from You. I pray that many women are delivered from this condition in Your Mighty Name Amen in the name of You, the Father, You the Son and You the Holy Spirit Amen. I thank You for listening to my prayer Amen Hallelujah, praise be to God Almighty!
7. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 7)
Oh God, I pray for many people especially children who are bullied every day of their life. Although others have made your lives a misery have faith that God my Father is in control, and that this period of persecution will not be forever. Do not rebel against those who bully You for my God will be Your avenger and He will be victorious over your persecutors Amen.
8. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 8)
Oh God my Father as much as our thoughts are different from Yours, they are also different even from our own as males and females. Even though what Elkanah said to Hannah made sense, for Hannah in the given circumstances of persecution childbirth would have been her fulfilment and not Elkanah's love. As our Father, when You see us depressed or anxious, You ask us the same question.
"Am I not enough for You?"
At times I say with a heavy heart our answer may be 'No' however in truth we cannot live without You, even though we do not admit it. Amen.
9. After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the LORD. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 9)
Oh God, my Father I pray that when my time comes I will also find You waiting for me at the door of heaven Amen.
10. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 10)
Oh God my Father You Yourself told us that whenever we feel sad lonely and burdened by the situations of our life, we are to come to You and You will give healing to our souls. Let us all like Hannah pour out the chalice of our sorrow before You my God and Father. I invite the reader of this blog to join me with this group of children in singing the song 'Cast Your Burdens on to Jesus'
Cast Your Burdens on to Jesus
11. She made this vow: "O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 11)
Oh God my Father unlike others in the Bible who were unable to have children Hannah did not only think of her own issues but was grateful to God for listening to her prayer and was ready to give back the gift that meant so much to her back to God. Oh that as parents we may be so generous as to give to God that which is closest to our hearts in a special spirit of generosity. Amen. I would like to include a prayer for those parents who offer their sons and daughters to become part of the consecrated life Amen. I invite you to join me in the following prayer by visiting this link.
Prayer for vocations
12. As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)
Oh God my Father although Hannah's voice could not be heard on earth by Eli, it was heard screaming in Your presence, for during these moments of intense prayer to You it is as if we have only our physical presence on earth, however, our spirit is in Your presence. Even though people may touch us we may not feel anything while in such a deep state of prayer. Oh God may all our moments of prayer be like that of Hannah amen.
14. So Eli said to her, "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself Put away your wine."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 14)
Many times my God and Father we pass judgement on how a person appears from the outside without knowing the person or ones' history and true intentions for doing this and that action be it positive or negative. I pray that we think before judging others for we are also under judgement and with the same judgment or criteria that we judge others we will also be judged. Amen.
15. But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 15)
At times my God and Father we are so deeply in a state of communication with You, that we are not aware of our surroundings and what is going on. Some have attempted to distract such people during such a state but without success.
I therefore, invite the reader of this blog to click on the following link to share this initmate moment of state of being during prayer by focusing, on Vizka, when in a state of prayer and notice the change in her behaviour both before, during and after the apparition at Medjugorje. Nothing is faked or rehearsed during this clip. I met this person myself
Vicka's behaviour during prayer
16. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father I pray that we may not judge others, for the first impression that we may get of a person may not be the correct image of that person and one's situation. Underneath the skin every person has a story to tell, one that only that person knows what its like to have done so. I pray that before assessing even on a professional level or passing judgement we are sensitive and caring Amen.
17. Then Eli answered, "Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 17)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for never refusing our requests. None of them are ever wasted even though many time may pass without receiving a reply or change of circumstances amen.
18. And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your sight." Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 18)
Oh God my Father I pray that I find favour in Your sight and not in front of humans. However, when placing our trust in You, we experience new confidence both in You and in ourselves. When praying in faith and with faith our attitude is that of believing that we have already achieved what we had been praying for.
19. They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah and the LORD remembered her.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 19)
Oh God my Father You never take our prayers lightly, when the time comes You always intervene and make ways where there appears to be no way.
I pray that you all join me in the following song, God will make a way by clicking on this link:-
God will make a way
20. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God when You decide that the time us right You will deliver us from our situations. You will be born in us and we will experience Your love and happiness that is different from what the world can give. Amen.
21. The man Elkanah and all his household went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, we are to remain faithful to You even when You have delivered us iut of our Egypt. We are never to forget all that You have done for us. I am to keep my promises to You and give praise and worship all the days of my life Amen.
22. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and remain there forever; I will offer him as a nazirite for all time."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 22)
As in the practice of fasting in certain circumstances, people are exempt from fasting. However, even though Hannah would skip this time of sacrificial offering when the time would come she would offer an offering that would come from her heart and not in kind. It would be giving You that very desire, that very thing that she had long been waiting and praying for. However, Hannah loved You so much that she was ready to give You this special child. I pray for all parents especially those who have given their sons and daughters in order fort them to become nuns and priests or even missionaries, I pray for such generous people, so that they be signposts of love and generosity for all of us Amen. Oh God my Father, You have the authority to give and You have the same authority to take away. I praise and thank You for both the giving and even for that which You decided to take away Amen.
23. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only-may the LORD establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 23)
Oh God my Father You leave us free to make our decisions however according to the outcome of our choices is not Your fault my God and Father but the positive or negative consequences of those same decisions Amen.
24. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the generosity You give to parents who offer their children to work in Your field Amen. I therefore, invite you to join me in this prayer for even more vocations amen.
Prayer for more vocations
25. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27. For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. 28. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD." She left him there for the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father it is indeed a time of celebration in awe and grandeur when a person is offered for Your service as in the case of a priest, monk or nun to a life that is consecrated to You. I also wish to offer my life to You, the sooner You take it the better and the happier I will be. I wish that You cleanse me of that which is of the world so that I can live totally for You. Amen. My soul is being tortured in this body and longs to be reunited with You, but the decision regarding when this will take place is not mine to take but Yours Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end the first chapter of the book of Samuel with the following prayer:
Oh God my father I thank You for being a kind and understanding parent. I pray for all parents for it is not easy to be a parent. I pray that You continue to give me Your support in order to carry out this role that You have chosen for me. I also thank You for calling persons to work in Your field not only priests, nuns and monks but even missionaries and lay people who have also dedicated their lives to You in order to live a way of life that is according to Your will Amen.
2. He had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
(First book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 2)
Elkanah was married to two women, of which their names were Hannah who as her name signified was a 'gift to the world' and Peninnah whose name meant 'pearl' which signified that of a precious possession.
Oh God, as much as these two women's names had the following significance they reflect alot about themselves, as much as our names reflect about ourselves. Oh, how precious it would be if husbands treated their. wives as gifts of God instead of prized possessions that on the day of purchase they have immense value but after some time in marriage this value starts gradually decreasing as we both discover each others strengths and weaknesses, however, if we value each other as gifts we will value each other and consider as special, however,r if we value each others, as commodities the outcome will be totally different Amen.
3. Now this man used to go up year by year from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. 4. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5. but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 3 to 5)
Oh God my Father how merciful You are, even though we may be passing through crisis or negative situations such as infertility, You still love and support us by means of others as in the case of Elkanah. Oh God above all may we find our love, support and care in You as a priority instead of in others Amen.
6. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 6)
Oh God my Father this is indeed very cruel to be persecuted for something that we have no blame of. I empathise with all women who cannot bear children even though, I am not a woman myself. I feel the urge to lift up a prayer to God so that He will open up all closed wombs and make them fertile;
Almighty God my Father, I pray on You to have mercy on such women who according to the ways of the world have been declared to be infertile. I had also been declared as having been diagnosed to be chronically suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and You healed me. I pray to You that as You did not close the wombs of Your people while in Egypt but multiplied their born children, You are able to remove all obstacles leading to an infertile womb. You are a God of life and not death, therefore life flows from You. I pray that many women are delivered from this condition in Your Mighty Name Amen in the name of You, the Father, You the Son and You the Holy Spirit Amen. I thank You for listening to my prayer Amen Hallelujah, praise be to God Almighty!
7. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 7)
Oh God, I pray for many people especially children who are bullied every day of their life. Although others have made your lives a misery have faith that God my Father is in control, and that this period of persecution will not be forever. Do not rebel against those who bully You for my God will be Your avenger and He will be victorious over your persecutors Amen.
8. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 8)
Oh God my Father as much as our thoughts are different from Yours, they are also different even from our own as males and females. Even though what Elkanah said to Hannah made sense, for Hannah in the given circumstances of persecution childbirth would have been her fulfilment and not Elkanah's love. As our Father, when You see us depressed or anxious, You ask us the same question.
"Am I not enough for You?"
At times I say with a heavy heart our answer may be 'No' however in truth we cannot live without You, even though we do not admit it. Amen.
9. After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the LORD. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 9)
Oh God, my Father I pray that when my time comes I will also find You waiting for me at the door of heaven Amen.
10. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 10)
Oh God my Father You Yourself told us that whenever we feel sad lonely and burdened by the situations of our life, we are to come to You and You will give healing to our souls. Let us all like Hannah pour out the chalice of our sorrow before You my God and Father. I invite the reader of this blog to join me with this group of children in singing the song 'Cast Your Burdens on to Jesus'
Cast Your Burdens on to Jesus
11. She made this vow: "O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 11)
Oh God my Father unlike others in the Bible who were unable to have children Hannah did not only think of her own issues but was grateful to God for listening to her prayer and was ready to give back the gift that meant so much to her back to God. Oh that as parents we may be so generous as to give to God that which is closest to our hearts in a special spirit of generosity. Amen. I would like to include a prayer for those parents who offer their sons and daughters to become part of the consecrated life Amen. I invite you to join me in the following prayer by visiting this link.
Prayer for vocations
12. As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)
Oh God my Father although Hannah's voice could not be heard on earth by Eli, it was heard screaming in Your presence, for during these moments of intense prayer to You it is as if we have only our physical presence on earth, however, our spirit is in Your presence. Even though people may touch us we may not feel anything while in such a deep state of prayer. Oh God may all our moments of prayer be like that of Hannah amen.
14. So Eli said to her, "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself Put away your wine."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 14)
Many times my God and Father we pass judgement on how a person appears from the outside without knowing the person or ones' history and true intentions for doing this and that action be it positive or negative. I pray that we think before judging others for we are also under judgement and with the same judgment or criteria that we judge others we will also be judged. Amen.
15. But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 15)
At times my God and Father we are so deeply in a state of communication with You, that we are not aware of our surroundings and what is going on. Some have attempted to distract such people during such a state but without success.
I therefore, invite the reader of this blog to click on the following link to share this initmate moment of state of being during prayer by focusing, on Vizka, when in a state of prayer and notice the change in her behaviour both before, during and after the apparition at Medjugorje. Nothing is faked or rehearsed during this clip. I met this person myself
Vicka's behaviour during prayer
16. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father I pray that we may not judge others, for the first impression that we may get of a person may not be the correct image of that person and one's situation. Underneath the skin every person has a story to tell, one that only that person knows what its like to have done so. I pray that before assessing even on a professional level or passing judgement we are sensitive and caring Amen.
17. Then Eli answered, "Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 17)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for never refusing our requests. None of them are ever wasted even though many time may pass without receiving a reply or change of circumstances amen.
18. And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your sight." Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 18)
Oh God my Father I pray that I find favour in Your sight and not in front of humans. However, when placing our trust in You, we experience new confidence both in You and in ourselves. When praying in faith and with faith our attitude is that of believing that we have already achieved what we had been praying for.
19. They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah and the LORD remembered her.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 19)
Oh God my Father You never take our prayers lightly, when the time comes You always intervene and make ways where there appears to be no way.
I pray that you all join me in the following song, God will make a way by clicking on this link:-
God will make a way
20. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God when You decide that the time us right You will deliver us from our situations. You will be born in us and we will experience Your love and happiness that is different from what the world can give. Amen.
21. The man Elkanah and all his household went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, we are to remain faithful to You even when You have delivered us iut of our Egypt. We are never to forget all that You have done for us. I am to keep my promises to You and give praise and worship all the days of my life Amen.
22. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and remain there forever; I will offer him as a nazirite for all time."
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 22)
As in the practice of fasting in certain circumstances, people are exempt from fasting. However, even though Hannah would skip this time of sacrificial offering when the time would come she would offer an offering that would come from her heart and not in kind. It would be giving You that very desire, that very thing that she had long been waiting and praying for. However, Hannah loved You so much that she was ready to give You this special child. I pray for all parents especially those who have given their sons and daughters in order fort them to become nuns and priests or even missionaries, I pray for such generous people, so that they be signposts of love and generosity for all of us Amen. Oh God my Father, You have the authority to give and You have the same authority to take away. I praise and thank You for both the giving and even for that which You decided to take away Amen.
23. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only-may the LORD establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 23)
Oh God my Father You leave us free to make our decisions however according to the outcome of our choices is not Your fault my God and Father but the positive or negative consequences of those same decisions Amen.
24. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the generosity You give to parents who offer their children to work in Your field Amen. I therefore, invite you to join me in this prayer for even more vocations amen.
Prayer for more vocations
25. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27. For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. 28. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD." She left him there for the LORD.
(First Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father it is indeed a time of celebration in awe and grandeur when a person is offered for Your service as in the case of a priest, monk or nun to a life that is consecrated to You. I also wish to offer my life to You, the sooner You take it the better and the happier I will be. I wish that You cleanse me of that which is of the world so that I can live totally for You. Amen. My soul is being tortured in this body and longs to be reunited with You, but the decision regarding when this will take place is not mine to take but Yours Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end the first chapter of the book of Samuel with the following prayer:
Oh God my father I thank You for being a kind and understanding parent. I pray for all parents for it is not easy to be a parent. I pray that You continue to give me Your support in order to carry out this role that You have chosen for me. I also thank You for calling persons to work in Your field not only priests, nuns and monks but even missionaries and lay people who have also dedicated their lives to You in order to live a way of life that is according to Your will Amen.
