David Bahn – Reflections

1 Samuel 1:12-18

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.

Perhaps you have poured out your heart to God like Hannah did on this occasion. She was a woman “troubled in spirit” speaking out of her “great anxiety.” She desired to have a child. She spoke only in her heart, without sound, but with moving lips. Eli thought she was drunk. He thought she was blaspheming. This leads me to realize that some people don’t understand us when we pray. They don’t understand our motives. They don’t understand our situation. They don’t understand our practice.

If you bow your head before you eat your lunch, it might be awkward for you and your co-workers. If you breathe a little prayer before you take an important test, those around you might not understand. If you spend time in prayer even in your home your own family may not understand. Even Eil, the priest, didn’t understand that Hannah was praying.

But here’s the good news: God understands. He not only understands, he listens and promises to answer our prayers. In the case of Hannah, her prayers will be answered and she will have a son. That, however, is a whole other story. For now, I am thankful that God understands my prayers, hears me, and answers me when I call.