Hannah’s Request

Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD… I rejoice in Your salvation.” — 1 Samuel 2:1

When have you really wanted something? We all know what it feels like to long for something desperately, for something, such as a life-giving job, a significant other, a repaired relationship, a sense of purpose, or a friend to connect with.

In the Bible Hannah desired something with every fiber of her being — a child — and this yearning caused her deep pain. The Bible says Hannah finally went to the temple to seek the Lord’s help. There she

prayed… and wept in anguish. — 1 Samuel 1:10

You may know how the story goes. When Eli the priest saw her pray, he accused her of being drunk. Hannah explained she was full of sorrow, not wine:

[I] have poured out my soul before the LORD… Out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken. — 1 Samuel 1:15–16

Taken aback, Eli then blessed Hannah and asked the Lord to grant her request. Eventually Hannah got her happy ending: a son, then five more children.

When you deeply long for something and pour out your heart to God, do you finish with gratitude, knowing He hears you? Or do you wait to respond until you receive?

Be thankful, for the God of all creation hears your prayers, just as He heard Hannah’s.

Father, I rejoice in Your gifts even as I wait for them. Thank You for all You send my way.

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His Precious Gift

I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. — Luke 22:32

Who prays for you? Who lifts your name before God and entreats Him to bless, shield, and guide you? A parent, a grandparent, a dear friend? A church, a preacher, or a teacher perhaps? When someone takes the time to pray for you, to lay his or her love and concern for you before the throne of God — how precious is that gift?

And how much more precious when the someone is the very Son of God Himself!

Yes, Jesus prays for you.

Before He went to the cross, Jesus prayed for His followers:

Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory you have given Me because you loved Me before the creation of the world. — John 17:24 NIV

He didn’t want a single soul to be snatched out of His hand. He wants you to be with Him.

But the prayers of Christ didn’t stop at the Cross. Even in Heaven, even this day, He continues to speak to God on your behalf:

Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for [you]. — Romans 8:34 NLT

Jesus lays His love and concern for you before the throne of His holy and heavenly Father. How precious is that gift?

How humbling, how wonderful to know that You, Lord, pray for me!

Excerpted with permission from 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

We have so much to be thankful for in Jesus that he not only hears our prayers but He prays for us Himself! How amazing is that?! Come share your prayers and thanks with us on our blog. We want to hear from you!