The Twelth Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
also known as The Fourteenth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
August 30, 2020
Chief of Sinners Though I Be
“God forgives sinners of whom I am the worst.” That’s what Paul said about himself in today’s Epistle Lesson/Sermon Text. Based on his past, he was sure he was chief of sinners. But even more important, it’s what the apostle believed about God – namely that the LORD is always forgiving and gracious to sinners. It’s that message which Paul will bring to us today in our Epistle Lesson and our Sermon Text: that if God can forgive him….the individual who, in his estimation, was the worst sinner ever (because he had once been an enemy of Christ, a persecutor of the church, a violent man and blasphemer), then God certainly can and will forgive us all our transgressions for the sake of His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ – even though we don’t ever deserve that forgiveness.
And whether or not Paul actually was the worst of sinners (I suspect each of us might, with shame confess the same thing: “I am the chief of sinners”), this much is true: God’s grace is so extensive that it covers up every sin that every individual ever has or ever will commit. All of which means – as far as you and are concerned – that no matter how many or how terrible the sins that we’ve committed might be, our God is the God Who actually and completely forgives all sins to all sinners…..us included. As a result, we – like Paul – have nothing ever to fear from our heavenly Fatherly. Rather we can praise and thank and Him each and every day for granting us His full and free forgiveness and, with it, the assurance that eternal life in heaven is ours through faith in Christ.
Today’s Psalm Reading (the first two verses of which are also this morning’s Children’s Lesson) is one of David’s “Penitential Psalms” in which he both confesses his sins before the LORD , and rejoices in the forgiveness that God extends to sinners like him.
In this morning’s First Lesson we’re provided some information about Paul’s less-than-glorious past. We see here that Paul was formerly known as Saul, a zealous Jewish persecutor of the early Christian Church. He thought he was serving God by trying to exterminate the followers of Christ. But on a road outside Damascus, Syria (where Saul was headed to persecute more Christians), Jesus put an end to Saul’s unbelief and persecuting activity by calling him to faith and into His service as His chosen instrument to bring the Gospel especially to the Gentiles. Though he understood and rejoiced in his forgiveness, still throughout his ministry Paul always – with humility – residual shame, and profound gratitude – remembered his past as a hater of Christ and persecutor of His Church….and he remained profoundly grateful for that grace of God which had saved him who truly felt he was “the worst of sinners.”
Today’s Gospel Lesson is the story of the sinful woman, who – out of gratitude for her Savior’s forgiveness – anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and her tears, and then dried those feet with her hair. She loved Christ so much because of the enormous sized sin-debt which He had forgiven her.
This morning, may the Spirit of God lead us all to see our sinful condition as the damnable burden that it is. May we also see, as Paul’s fellow “Chiefs of Sinners,” be led to recognize that we are redeemed believers and heirs of eternal life only because of the mercy of our God in Christ. And, finally, may we be moved by that same Spirit not only to praise and thank God today with our lips and our offerings, but also through our lives given in grateful devotion, obedience, and service all our days, to His glory!
Pre-Service Prayer – O Lord God, Almighty Creator, from Whom every good and perfect gift comes, You have bountifully blessed me in the past year. You have persevered me in Your Word. You have provided for my bodily needs. You have protected me from spiritual harm and have kept me in the true faith. For your abundant goodness to me, I humbly praise and thank You. In this year just begun, I implore You to bless me with Your continued presence, Your Fatherly protection, and Your guidance in all areas of my life. I submit myself to Your gracious will, with the confidence that You will use me, as Your humble servant, in whatever ways will serve to further Your glory and Your kingdom. Bless and enrich my faith as I hear Your Word today, and receive my heart-felt praises in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior. It is in His name that I pray. Amen.
Grace Lutheran Church of Northwest Arkansas
is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a church body which spans the United States and Canada, and which also operates a number of foreign missions.
Our Vision: Extend God’s Kingdom through His Word, serving each Soul.
Our Mission: Share the Gospel, Encourage Faith, and Prepare Souls
through Worship, Education and Fellowship.
Scripture quotations in this worship flyer, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the EVANGELICAL HERITAGE VERSION of the Bible. Copyright 2019
by the Warburg Project. All rights reserved
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
Service Introduction and Invitation to Worship
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
Our Psalm Reading for Today Psalm 32
P: How blessed is the person whose rebellion in forgiven, whose sin is covered.
C: How blessed is the man whose guilt the LORD does not charge + in whose spirit there is no deceit.
P: When I kept silent my bones wasted away as I groaned all day long.
C: For day and night Your hand was heavy on me. + My moisture was dried
up by the droughts of summer.
P: I acknowledge my sin to you and I did not cover up my guilt.
C: I said, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD, + and You forgave the
guilt of my sin.
P: Because of this, let everyone who receives favor pray to You at a time when You may be found.
C: Surely when the mighty waters overflow, they will not reach him.
P: You are my hiding place. You will protect me from distress.
C: You will surround me with shouts of deliverance.
P: I will make you wise. I will instruct you in the way that you should go.
C: I will guide you, keeping My eye on you.
P: Do not be like a horse or a mule, which has no understanding.
C: Its mouth must be controlled by a bit and bridle + or else it will not come
to you.
P: Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but mercy will surround those who trust in the LORD.
C: Rejoice in the LORD and celebrate, you righteous, + and shout joyfully, all you upright in heart.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
Joyful, joyful we adore You, God of glory, God of love!
Heav’n and earth bow down before You, Praising You, our Lord above.
You our Father, Christ our Savior, With the Spirit faith provides,
Life eternal we’ve been granted, gracious gift that e’er abides.
You are giving and forgiving, Ever glorious, Ever blest.
Source of every kind of blessing, Giver of eternal rest.
You have claimed us as Your children Heaven’s heirs through faith alone —
In the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, our Lord, Your Son.
Lord, receive our prayers and praises, weak and humble though they be.
Yours the power, Yours the glory, Both today and endlessly.
None beside You, None before You, God of mercy, full and free.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ever blessed Trinity.
after which the Congregation will rise as
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor Brothers and sisters in Christ: the Word of God urges us to confess to our Lord all our sins of thought, word, and action. This is something that
ought to be daily part of our spiritual lives, and should come forth from every heart that is humble and penitent. But we should especially do this when we meet together in His house to thank God for all that He has done for us, to praise Him, and to hear His life-giving Word. Therefore, come with me now, to our Heavenly Father’s throne of grace, and let us confess our sins together.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, + I confess and lament to You, O most holy God, + that I am a weak and sinful creature, + guilty of
every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. + I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in me. + I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. + I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. + I am full of anger, hate, and envy. + I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. + Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. + Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, + strengthen my faith, + and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, + that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor Having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, now be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that
anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, rest assured that your sins have been fully covered by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ your Savior. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Now, in the peace of God’s forgiveness, let us together praise our gracious and glorious Lord!
The Congregation responds by singing: “All Glory Be To God On High”
sung to the melody of “Almighty Father, Strong To Save”
All glory be to God on high! We praise, we thank, we glorify,
And worship You, Who gives earth peace, Whose love and favor never cease.
Lord God, our King, on heaven’s throne, Our Father, the Almighty One.
O Lord, the Sole-begotten One. Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son,
O Lamb of God, You take away The sin of all, now hear us pray.
You rule at God’s right hand this day, Have mercy on us, Lord, we pray.
You only are the Holy One; O’er all things You are Lord alone.
O Jesus Christ, we glorify You only as the Lord Most High,
Who with the Spirit e’er shall be One in the Father’s majesty. Amen.
The Prayer For This Morning
Almighty and most merciful God _ our heavenly Father: + Your compassion has no limits; + You are long-suffering, gracious and full of goodness and truth, + forgiving our iniquities, transgressions and sins. + Each of us has sinned against Your Word and will, + but we beg You, O LORD, + not to remember our transgressions. + Instead, in Your mercy, for Jesus’ sake, + forgive us all our sins. + Also, hep us through the Holy Spirit, + to daily repent of our sins, and + striving to avoid sin in the future + enable us to live more Godly lives. + This we humbly seek + in the name of Your Son, + our Savior, Jesus Christ. + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy spirit, + as the one true God, + forever and ever. Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson Acts 9:1-31
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them to Jerusalem as prisoners. 3 As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you need to do.” 7 The men traveling with him stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone. 8 They raised Saul up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could not see anything. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he could not see, and he did not eat or drink.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. In fact, at this very moment he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight.” 13 Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man and how much harm he did to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. 16 Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Ananias left and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, whom you saw on your way here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20 Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the one who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? Didn’t he come here for this very purpose: to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul continued to get stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul was informed of their plot. They were watching the gates both day and night in order to kill him. 25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall by lowering him in a basket.[b]
26 When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him because they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He described to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 Saul stayed with them, coming and going freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He kept on talking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they were looking for a way to kill him. 30 When the brothers[c] learned about this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace as it was strengthened. It grew in numbers as it lived in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The Epistle Lesson I Timothy 1:12-17
12 I give thanks to the one who empowered me, namely, Christ Jesus our Lord, that he treated me as trustworthy, appointing me into his ministry. 13 He did this even though formerly I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord overflowed on me along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” of whom I am the worst. 16 But I was shown mercy for this reason: that in me, the worst sinner, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his unlimited patience as an example for those who are going to believe in him, resulting in eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, to the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
After which the Congregation will please rise, out of respect for the words of Christ
The Gospel Lesson Luke 7:36-50
36 A certain one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him. Jesus entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 Just then a sinful woman from that town learned that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 stood behind him near his feet weeping, and began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she began to wipe them with her hair while also kissing his feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would realize who is touching him and what kind of woman she is, because she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii,[g] and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the larger debt forgiven.”
Then he told him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 Turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, but you did not give me water for my feet. Yet she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but she, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that is why she loved so much. But the one who is forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those reclining at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Apostles’ Creed to the melody of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling, By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion, Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
The Children’s Lesson Psalm 32:1-2
How blessed is the person whose rebellion in forgiven, whose sin is covered. How blessed is the man whose guilt the LORD does not charge
Simply, Completely Forgiven
The Sermon Hymn “Chief of Sinners, Though I Be”
1 Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me.
Died that I might live on high, Lived that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.
2 Oh, the height of Jesus’ love, Higher than the heav’ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity!
Love that found me–wondrous thought! Found me when I sought Him not.
3 Only Jesus can impart Balm to heal the wounded heart,
Peace that flows from sin forgiv’n, Joy that lifts the soul to heav’n.
Faith and hope to walk with God In the way that Enoch trod.
4 Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me.
All my wants to Him are known, All my sorrows are His own.
He sustains the hidden life Safe with Him from earthly strife.
5 O my Savior, help afford By Your Spirit and Your Word!
When my wayward heart would stray, Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply While I live and when I die.
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sermon Text I Timothy 1:12-17
(today’s Epistle Lesson)
How Can God Forgive Me After What I’ve Done?
following the sermon the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever. Amen.
We Bring Our Offerings and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Because we aren’t able to pass an offering plate today during today’s worship
service those in attendance may leave their offerings in the offering plates
by the exit door at the close of our service today.
For those watching today’s service, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com)
and use the giving option there.
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers for Today
Included in our Prayers this Morning…
Prayesr of Intercession on behalf of Bill Krizsan, as he continues
to undergo treatment for bladder cancer….that God might him with a successful recovery
and on behalf of Bev Anderson, who will have vascular surgery this coming Tuesday
The Lord’s Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy
Prayer Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Salutation
Pastor May the Lord be with you.
Congregation – And also with you.
The Doxology
Pastor Now, to Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy –
Congregation to the only God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
The Benediction
Pastor – The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon You and be gracious unto you,
The LORD look upon you with favor, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn “Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound”
1 Amazing grace — how sweet the sound– That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.
2 The Lord has promised good to me; His Word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
4 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-Service Music
Announcements
This Past Week At Grace Lutheran
Worship Attendance: 54 Online views: 35 Sunday Bible Class: 19 Tues Bible Class: 16
Budgetary Fund: $2018 Online Offerings….Church: $20.91 Endowment Fund: $1200
Serving Us Next Sunday Elders: Tim Pfortmiller, Steve Stone, John Johnson
Ushers: Chris Roberts Kent Mayer, Tom Otto
Altar Guild: Marilyn Outlaw, Harriet Johnson
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Worship at 9:30 a.m. Bible Class and Sunday School, 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday 10 minutes with Jesus (Women’s Call-in Prayer Time) 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. including a celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Bible Class / Sunday School – 11:00 a.m.
Lesson Four: Praying In Pain
…..Hannah Prays For a Child…..
This morning we’ll talk about praying through pain…..praying even when it seems God is not listening…..praying even when our problems and life’s disappointments are so great that we’ve all but lost hope for the future……praying through our pains, with the confidence that even when our sense tell us otherwise, ours is a gracious God Who will mercifully meet all our needs…..in His own appointed time.
Scripture References: I Samuel 1:1-28 I Samuel 2:1-11
+ + + + + +
Introduction:
What has brought you the most joy in the last few years? ….the most grief? What brought you relief from that grief?
Getting into the Word and Applying it to our lives:
What do we know about Hanna’s home life? (vv 2-6)
What response does Hannah’s not having children evoke in her? in Elkanah? in Peninnah? in Eli?
Verse 5 – “double portion” – love, pity and compassion met in a display of divisive favoritism. Have you ever been the victim of favoritism? Have you ever been the perpetrator of favoritism? Give a few Bible character examples/situations when favoritism was displayed.
What do verses 5-7 teach us about the evils of polygamy?
Why would Hannah’s barrenness be even more poignant and painful for her during a visit to the temple (v. 9)?
Are you as sensitive as you could/should be toward childless women and men? In what ways might we innocently – yet painfully (to them) – offend such individuals?
Verse 10 – what does this expression – “bitterness of soul” – men to you? How can bitterness of soul manifest/express itself in a person’s life? What are some of the problems this spiritual deficiency can create/cause?
When has God led you to a time of disappointment before granting your desire?
Look at Hannah’s vow (in verse 11). Can a Christian “bargain” with God?
Notice (vv. 11 & 15) Hannah’s opinion of her situation in life. Do you know people who feel this way today? What can you do to help them?
What was the irony in Eli’s accusation (v 13-14)?
Prayer involves talking and listening to God. How does Hannah (in verses 15 & 16) use prayer according to the preceding definition?
What change takes place in the once teary-eyed, unable-to-eat Hannah after her prayer is offered?
Verse 19 – Does the Lord actually “forget” us at times?
Vows were common in OT times. We have two vows offered in this chapter (11 & 21). What vows/promises have you made before God?
Hannah kept her promise…….Do you keep the promises you make to the Lord?
When was the first time you left home for an extended time? What “statement” is Hannah making in delivering her son to the temple for life-long service? How can Christians still do this today?
What would you characterize as the spirit, or attitude, reflected in Hannah’s prayer (2:1-10)?
I Samuel 1:1-2:11
1 There was a man from Ramathaim of the Zuphites in the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives. One was named Hannah, and the other was named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Every year this man went up from his city to worship and to offer sacrifices to the Lord of Armies at Shiloh. Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were serving there as priests of the Lord.
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he gave portions of food to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters, 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved Hannah, but the Lord had kept her from having children.
6 Hannah’s rival kept taunting her to make her miserable, because the Lord had kept Hannah from having children. 7 Year after year, when Hannah went up to the Lord’s house, her rival taunted her, so Hannah would weep and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart so sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
9 Once, when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s temple. 10 Hannah’s spirit was very distressed, and as she prayed to the Lord, she sobbed and wept many tears. 11 She made a vow and said, “O Lord of Armies, if you will carefully consider the misery of your servant and remember me, and if you do not forget your servant but give your servant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli was looking at her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking silently from her heart. Although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get away from your wine!”
15 Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman with a very troubled spirit. I have not been drinking wine or beer, but I have poured out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless, wicked woman. I have been speaking like this because of my great misery and because of how I have been grieved.”
17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked for.”
18 She said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went on her way. She ate, and her face no longer looked sad.
19 They got up early in the morning and worshipped the Lord. They then returned to their home at Ramah.
Elkanah was intimate with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel because she said, “I asked for him from the Lord.”
21 When this man Elkanah and his entire household went up to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go up with them, because she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned. Then I will bring him, so that he can appear before the Lord and remain there permanently.”
23 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Do whatever you think is best. Wait until you have weaned him. Yes, then the Lord will establish his word.”
So the woman stayed at home, and she nursed her son until she was ready to wean him. 24 When she had weaned him, she took him up with her. She also took a three-year-old bull, twenty-five pounds of flour, and a container of wine, and she brought him to the House of the Lord in Shiloh. The boy was ?with them. And they brought him before the Lord, and his father killed the sacrifice as he regularly did before the Lord, and he brought? the boy. 25 When they had killed the bull, they presented the child to Eli. 26 She said, “Excuse me, my lord. As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here next to you, praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked for. 28 So now I have also dedicated him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is dedicated to the Lord.” So he worshipped the Lord there.
2 Hannah prayed and said:
My heart rejoices in the Lord!
In the Lord, my horn is raised high.
My mouth is opened wide against my enemies,
because I find joy in your salvation.
2 There is no one holy like the Lord.
Yes, there is no one but you,
and there is no rock like our God.
3 Do not talk so high and mighty.
Do not let proud words come out of your mouth,
because the Lord is a God who knows.
By him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of powerful warriors are broken.
Those who were staggering are now armed with strength.
5 Those who once were full now hire themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are satisfied.
Yes, the childless woman has given birth to seven children,
but she who had many children is weak with sorrow.
6 The Lord puts to death, and he makes alive.
He brings down to the grave, and he raises up.
7 The Lord makes some people poor, and he makes others wealthy.
He brings some low. He raises others up.
8 He raises the poor out of the dust.
He lifts up the needy from the garbage pile.
He makes them sit with nobles.
He gives them a glorious throne as a possession.
The pillars of the earth belong to the Lord.
He has set the world upon them.
9 He will guard the feet of his favored ones,
but the wicked will be put to silence in darkness,
because a person does not prevail by his own strength.
10 Those who oppose the Lord will be broken to pieces.
He will thunder against them in the heavens.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give strength to his king.
He will raise up the horn of his anointed one.
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the young boy served the Lord as an attendant to Eli the priest.