Key Verse: 1 Samuel 2:35
Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever.

There is only one “forever” Priest, and that is Jesus! A priest represents us before God and a prophet represents God to us. Jesus did both. Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave a powerful word (read Luke 1:46-55). Hannah gave a magnificent word also from today’s reading. It’s well worth reading two or three times. We should let our spirits exalt the Lord as these women did. Start speaking whatever words come to mind. We may be surprised at what we hear ourselves saying. The rule is that what we say will be just for God and ourselves. However, there are exceptions. You may receive a word that will bless others.
After the glorious experience of Hannah, it is a huge let-down to read of Hophni and Phineas. They were the next generation who were to carry on God’s work. How tragic the words of 2:12: “They did not know the Lord.” It has been said that “The Church is just one generation away from extinction.” Eli’s sons had the same opportunity as did Samuel to know the Lord, but they missed it. Jesus said, “I will build My Church.” The Church has Jesus’ guarantee of success. Some will fail. Jesus has others waiting to step up. Don’t fear for God’s cause. He is never caught by surprise. Amen!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You, Lord, for the prophetic prayers of Mary and Hannah. I pray that You would grant me a revelation of Your greatness, and give me words to express to You my heart and mind. Words which are just between You and me, Lord Jesus!!! Here goes…… ………………………. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I love the fact that after waiting so long for her first child (Samuel), Hannah had five more children. With my Mother, Hazel Pritchard Mainse, it was the opposite. My oldest sister, Willa, is eight years older than me, and my second sister, Elaine, is six years older than me. After Elaine was born, the wait began, according to my Dad. Our mother had several miscarriages, and then I made my appearance in 1936. There were no more children in our family. We don’t have a record of our mother praying a prophetic prayer as Hannah did, but my Dad did write a poem. If I can find it, I’ll add it in a P.S. below. My mother died when I was 12, and my most vivid memory of her is seeing her on her knees, praying for others, and particularly for her husband and her children. In order to spend a long time on her knees without tiring, she would either kneel with her back straight, or down on what we called her “hunkers.” She would sit back on her ankles. I’ve tried that but it doesn’t work for me. The straight up posture is my best and most comfortable kneeling position. My back does not tire as it does if I bend at the waist. This is probably more information than needed, but I find that as time goes by, I’m more and more comfortable writing this daily blog! I hope you don’t mind.

Yours, asking the Lord as the disciples did, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Amen!

David

P.S. Here is the poem my father wrote about me on March 29, 1944. He was serving as a missionary in Egypt. He was unable to return home to us for six years, due to restricted travel for civilians during the Second World War…

“Sonny”

Now that’s what I feel to call you,
You, whom I’ll love my whole life through.
Sonny’s a bright and cheery name,
And is ‘Daddy’ to you the same?
A good son is a precious gift,
To the father who needs a lift,
When the pathway of life seems hard,
And e’en would his foot-steps retard.
O’ that nippy hop, step and jump,
Which does not lack pep at the pump,
Puts courage and vim in us all,
And helps us rise up should we fall.
May your teen-age be bright and gay,
As you march forth to manhood’s day;
Be e’er free from evil design,
Be full of kindness to mankind.
The future with promise is bright,
To you, if you dare to do right;
‘Twill to you in life grant a place,
Where you’ll never, no ne’er lose face;
E’en among the true and renowned,
Who did fight and have won the crown,
That shall never more fade away
In that haven of endless day.
So my dear son it’s up to you,
To trust in God and ever do,
That which is good, and better still,
Follow the leadings of His will:
Yea, follow the gleam from afar,
And for His best do thou aspire!
Blest help Divine will God vouchsafe
To every stray, prodigal waif.