Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 1 (day five)
Hannah’s faithfulness to pray and her approach to prayer can be helpful to us all.
There is praise in her prayer. She prays to the “Lord of Hosts”. Remember the scene in Luke 1 where the shepherds see and hear the Heavenly Host? (The Angel Armies of the Lord) In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah is praising God for His power and authority, the Lord of Hosts.
Hannah’s example is that praising God in prayer is needed and necessary. I sometimes leave that out in my personal prayer time and just share my heart. Big mistake. Praise helps calibrate my heart. Praise helps put me in my place and helps me see God in His proper place. Praise also fills me with awe- to think that I can talk with an all-knowing and all-powerful Father who invites me into relationship and communication with Him.
Try spending as much time and attention in praise as you do other parts of your prayer time. God will use it to help you.
Great reminder about the importance of praise God in prayer! I am not surprised to hear that sometimes we forget to praise God. We go right into the business of “asking” without expressing thanks or praise for who God is and what God has done for us or for transforming our lives.
Expressing thanks or praise someone for who he or she is and for what he or she has done for others is a great communication strategy. We establish great personal relationship and interpersonal with that way. Thanking and praising someone for a job well done will motivate him or her to continue the good effort. In life, everyone likes to know if what they do is valued and appreciated so thanking and praising should be part of the communication process in business.
I am convinced that praising the Lord must be part of our prayer. Praise the Lord and ask and be given. I do think God would be pleased to know that we love Him and appreciate Him for His supreme power, authority, His forgiveness of our sins and salvation!
I found the articles below helpful in helping us building better communication with God.
http://pastorrick.com/devotional/english/when-you-pray-begin-with-praise_472
And,
https://bellatorchristi.com/2013/06/24/seven-reasons-why-prayer-is-important/
In life, giving thanks or giving praise is a form of positive feedback which can motivate people to continue doing what they’re doing well, and do it with more vigor, determination, and to continue improvement. People like to know if what they do makes a difference in their surroundings!
Giving thanks or giving praise is a powerful communication tool. Good reminder!