Scripture for Today | 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (with Pastor Nick)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

Red Sea Road by Christa Wells, Ellie Holcomb, and Nicole Witt

Lyrics:

We’ve buried dreams

Laid them deep into the earth behind us

Said our goodbyes

At the grave but everything reminds us

God knows we ache when He asks us to go on

How do we go on

 

We will sing to our souls

We won’t bury our hope

Where He leads us to go there’s a red sea road

When we can’t see the way He will part the waves

And we’ll never walk alone down a red sea road

 

How can we trust

When you say you will deliver us

From all of this pain

That threatens to take over us well

Well this desert’s dry but the ocean may consume

And we’re scared to follow you

 

Oh help us believe

You are faithful you’re faithful

When our hearts are breaking

You are faithful you’re faithful

Oh grant us eyes to see

You are faithful you’re faithful

Teach us to sing

You are faithful you’re faithful

You’re faithful

 

No we’ll never walk alone down a red sea road

No we’ll never walk alone down a red sea road

Passage: 

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. 6 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.

19 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. 20 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.”

(1 Samuel 1:4–20 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes: 

A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.” 

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.