Today we remember and give thanks for Hannah. Hannah was the favored wife of Elkanah, the
Ephraimite, and the devout mother of the prophet Samuel. He was born to her
after years of bitter barrenness (1 Sam 1:6–8) and fervent prayers for a son
(1:9–18). After she weaned her son, Hannah expressed her gratitude by returning
him for service in the House of the Lord at Shiloh (1:24–28). Her prayer
(psalm) of thanksgiving (2:1–10) begins with the words, “My heart exults in
Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord.” This song foreshadows the
Magnificat, the Song of Mary centuries later (Lk 1:46–55). The name Hannah
derives from the Hebrew word for “grace.” She is remembered and honored for
joyfully having kept the vow she made before her son’s birth and offering him
for lifelong service to God.
Collect
of the Day:
God the Father Almighty, maker of all things, You looked on the
affliction of Your barren servant Hannah and did not forget her but answered
her prayers with the gift of a son. So
hear our supplications and petitions and fill our emptiness, granting us trust
in Your provision, so that we, like Hannah, might render unto You all
thankfulness and praise, and delight in the miraculous birth of your Son, Jesus
Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
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