iHOPE Church
1 Samuel 1; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
May 15, 2022
1. You must CONTINUE to PRAY and SEEK God despite WHERE
YOU FIND YOURSELF. (v. 1-5)
1 Samuel 1:1-5 (ESV) – There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of
the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham,
son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives.
The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah.
And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man
used to go up year by year from his city 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 Peninnah his wife 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.
Psalm 73:24-28 (ESV) – You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you
will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is
nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold,
those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is
unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the
Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
2. You must PRAY and TRUST God despite what others say or do
AROUND or TO you (v. 6-18)
1 Samuel 1:6-18 (ESV) – And her rival used to provoke her grievously to
irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 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. 8 And Elkanah, her husband,
said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why
is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 9 After they had
eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the
seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10 She was deeply
distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a
vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of
your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to
your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life,
and no razor shall touch his head.” 12 As she continued praying before the
LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only
her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a
drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk?
Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am
a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I
have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not regard your
servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my
great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God
of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let
your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate,
and her face was no longer sad.
LORD of hosts –
Romans 8:26-27 (NLT) – And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For
example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit
prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the
Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit
pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
3. You must PRAY and PRAISE until The LORD ANSWERS your
prayers. (v. 19)
1 Samuel 1:19 (ESV) – They rose early in the morning and worshiped before
the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew
Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.
Worshiped –
1 Samuel 1:11 (ESV) – And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts,
if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and
not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him
to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
Remembered –
Judges 16:28 (ESV) – Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord
GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O
God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Psalm 25:7 (ETRV) – Don’t remember the sinful things I did when I was
young. Because you are good, LORD, remember me with your faithful love.
4. You need to realize The LORD wants to use your prayers to
CHANGE YOU before He does something to or for YOU (v. 20)
1 Samuel 1:20 (ESV) – And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son,
and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from
the LORD.”
Due time –
Samuel –
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with
my victorious right hand.
Questions to Consider
1. In our society what stigma, if any, do you think is attached to a woman who cannot
have a child? Why?
2. Why is it difficult to be faced with constant reminders of things we wish we had but
do not?
3. Why does competition and conflict arise between family members?
4. Why’s it important to continue to pray and seek God despite the situation you find
yourself in.
5. Why did Hannah’s demeanor change so dramatically after she prayed?
6. How should you respond when those around you are giving you a hard time?
7. What do you think is the relationship between you worshiping The LORD and
seeing your prayers answered?
8. How important is it for The LORD to use your prayers to change you before He
does something to or for you? Explain
9. Why’s it important to keep your vows and promises to The LORD when He answers
your prayers?
10. What deep desire or ongoing trial do you need to commit to God in prayer?
