Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

1 Samuel 2:1-8 (NRSV)

Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the LORD;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.

“There is no Holy One like the LORD,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The LORD kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and on them he has set the world.

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Reflect

This is a song of victory! It is a victory for those who are poor, for those who have been overlooked. It is a victory for those who have been forgotten, those who are underprivileged, and those who are hated. It is a victory because God sees these things, and God responds.

It is getting close to Christmas, and you may read the Magnificat, which is the song Mary sang as recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. It begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” If you come across it, remember this song of Hannah. They are so similar, because two women who weren’t really very special in the eyes of the people around them were chosen by God. They were honored by God. They were seen and loved by God.

Because they were seen, Hannah and Mary knew that God sees everyone. God loves everyone. God will provide for everyone. The world is not what it appears to be—a place where those with power can do whatever they want. God sees it all, and God responds in love and blessing for those who need it, particularly those who are poor and down-trodden.

What a blessing for us! God sees us all, and God desires to give us what we need. When God does, let us sing a victory song!

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Pray

Great God, you always have been faithful to the needs of those who call upon you. Give us the eyes to see you as you have seen us. Give us ears to hear you, and give us hearts that seek to please you, all our lives. Amen.

Go with God.