And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the LORD, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed.
(1 Samuel 2:1-3)
The Lord had heard Hannah’s prayer and request in chapter 1 regarding having a son. In chapter 2 the first 10 verses are a beautiful song of praise that provides a model for Mary’s (the mother of Jesus) song of thanksgiving found in Luke 1: 46-55.
As we read this prayer notice how Hannah’s whole personality is involved in praising the Lord: her heart, which is the very center of her being; her horn, which signifies strength. I smile is literally, “My mouth is opened wide”, this is a figure of speech that is used for defeating one’s enemies that can be found in Psalm 35:21, 25.
Hannah’s prayer is literally a song of praise unto the Lord. How often do you come before the Lord with just a prayer of praise? If we are truthful, it’s probably not often enough. I know I stand guilty of that charge myself. If anyone should have reason to have a heart full of praise it would be those who have tasted of His salvation offered through the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus. Regardless of our situation here on earth we have a promise to be with Him for eternity; that in itself should fill our horn so that we can exalt the Lord as Hannah did.
Personally, I am convicted by Hannah’s prayer. I confess that I don’t give thanks and praise to God often enough. I do pray and bring my petitions to Him, and I do see many answered of which I do give thanks for, and yet I quickly forget and move on with my life. Our lives are to be a walking, living, continual praise unto God. Our hearts should be in a constant state of rejoicing because our Creator has chosen to dwell within us by giving us His Holy Spirit. Our God has given us His strength to overcome the enemy and all that stands against us.
Father, forgive me when I lapse into the woe-is-me doldrums. Forgive me when I fail to praise You and give You glory and honor regularly for all things, regardless of my situation. Father fill my heart with a song of praise daily for You, in Jesus name, amen.
Dale LaFrance (please look up Luke 1:46-45)
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