The Weight of the Wait
Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” -I Samuel 1:9-20
How long, O Lord? This is a cry of God’s people since the dawn of time. We all suffer through waiting for answered prayer. It feels like a weight that is too heavy to carry. The weight of the wait can be overwhelming at times. Hannah was so distraught in her prayer, that Eli thought she was drunk, the way she was carrying on! When he understood that she was praying out of her great anguish and grief, he blessed her with the words, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” Hannah was finally able to be at peace, holding on to the words of Eli, and trusting that God was with her.
What is the prayer of your heart today? What request or cry seems to be too long in coming? Are you overwhelmed by the weight of the wait? You are in good company. We all go through seasons of unanswered prayer. Like Hannah, I encourage you to share those requests with others. She didn’t tell the specifics of her prayer with Eli, but she knew that he was carrying that burden alongside her. His words of encouragement and hope made all the difference in her life.
The story of Samuel’s birth shows the powerful foundation of a life built on prayer. Please join us in worship this summer as we explore some perhaps unfamiliar stories from the Old Testament. They may bring insight and challenge our understanding of God’s work in the world… There’s trouble brewing in the Old West-ament.
God of justice, in baptism you anointed us to live boldly in the reality of your coming kingdom. We confess that we have not fulfilled our calling. We have not used your power to serve our neighbors. We have walked away from oppression and injustice. We have turned our backs on your beloved children who hunger and thirst in a world of plenty. Forgive us, Lord.
Make us courageous servants of your justice, peace, and wholeness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
