ACTIVE FAITH CHURCH NIGERIA

 THE GOD OF HANNAH: A GOD THAT ANSWERS PRAYERS

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-28

INTRODUCTION 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have gathered here tonight to seek the face of God, to cry out to Him in prayer, and to trust in His faithfulness. As we reflect on the story of Hannah, we are reminded that our God is a God who hears, a God who sees, and a God who answers prayer.

THE DESPERATION OF HANNAH

Hannah was a woman who knew what it meant to be desperate. She was childless, and in a culture where children were seen as a blessing from God, her barrenness was a source of shame and sorrow. But Hannah did not let her desperation turn to despair. Instead, she turned to God.

THE PRAYER OF HANNAH

Hannah's prayer was not a polite or formal prayer. It was a passionate and heartfelt cry to God. She poured out her soul to Him, expressing her deepest longings and desires. And as she prayed, she made a vow to God, promising to dedicate her child to His service if He would only grant her request.

THE ANSWER OF GOD

And then, the miraculous happened. God heard Hannah's prayer, and He answered it. Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, Samuel, who would go on to become one of Israel's greatest leaders.

Watch: How To Receive from God Part 1 

LESSONS FROM THE STORY

So what can we learn from Hannah's story? First, we learn that God hears our prayers. He is not a distant or detached God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives. Second, we learn that God is a God of answers. He is not a God of silence or indifference, but a God who responds to our cries. Finally, we learn that God is a God of faithfulness. He is a God who keeps His promises, and who can be trusted to fulfill His word.

APPLICATION

So how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?

 First, we must learn to pray with persistence and passion, like Hannah. We must not give up or lose heart, even when the answer seems delayed. Second, we must trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when we do not understand His ways. And finally, we must be willing to surrender our lives and our desires to God, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

Watch: Abundant Life part 3

CONCLUSION

As we close this vigil, let us remember the God of Hannah, a God who hears, a God who answers, and a God who is faithful. Let us go to Him in prayer, trusting that He will hear our cries and answer our prayers. And let us surrender our lives to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

May the God of Hannah be our God, and may we experience His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Amen.