A Mother's Prayer
Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 1
“Look on your servant’s misery and … give [me] a son, then I will give him to the LORD …”
1 Samuel 1:11
Today is my birthday. Some years ago my mother revealed to me that she prayed a prayer similar to Hannah’s. That gives me deep affirmation and encouragement in my work.
This poignant story in Scripture can help to remind all parents to dedicate their children to the Lord, and to pray continually for God’s protection and direction in their lives—into all kinds of vocations. All of us, in fact, can be reminded to serve God in our work, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 urges: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
As a pastor, I have known a number of couples who have prayed for children in their struggle with infertility. I know that many have also prayed a prayer similar to Hannah’s.
Sometimes God answers those prayers by giving people children, and other times God answers in other ways. From our limited perspective, we may struggle with some of God’s answers or with the seeming silence of God. But we can be assured that God always hears us and cares about our needs and longings.
At the same time, perhaps all of us can be challenged to pray that all the children in our communities may come to know the Lord and dedicate their lives to him. Heroes of faith realize that faith needs to be passed on from generation to generation.
Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray that the next generation will come to faith in you. Raise up this generation and the next for your glory, O Lord. Amen.
About the author — Julius T. Medenblik
Rev. Jul Medenblik is a former attorney who was called to pastoral ministry and became the founding pastor of a church in New Lenox, Illinois. He is currently serving as president of Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jul and his wife, Jackie, are blessed with a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Julianne.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!