Tuesday of Week 1 – 1 Sam 1:9-20; 1 Sam 2:1,4-8; Mark 1:21-28

Such an ordinary scene. Hannah asks God, Eli thinks she is drunk, then reflects, and finally… “She conceived and gave birth to a son, and called him Samuel, ‘since’ she said, ‘I asked the Lord for him.'” Weird. Because later this Samuel became one of the most important figures in Israel. Not only at that time, but throughout the whole history of this nation. Why did God ask for the birth of someone who would play such an important role in the history of His chosen ones? Was it just because Hannah had promised to give the baby to the Lord’s service? Wasn’t there a harmless way for the child to come under Eli’s care?

The ways of God are unfathomable. Apparently, Hannah’s prayer was also a part of His plans. . .

And I? I too have many matters for God. Not at all trivial. Maybe He really wants to listen to me, I just have to start asking. Not casually. Rather fervently. Earnestly. By engaging your whole self. . .

Lord, there is so much suffering around us. Sometimes I think that if I were You, I would pity people more. Because I find it difficult to accept that what happens to people is the best possible alternate for their lives. . . Or maybe You just want me to get more engaged in praying for others? So that, like Jacob, I would dare to wrestle with You? You know I’m a coward. But I also know that in the case of praying with You for others, cowardice is just an excuse. You value those who love. Even if the expression of this love is annoyingly persuading You to grant this matter to one and that to another. In my case, the real reason for not praying like this would be laziness . . . .

I remember a song that the free can see that they are like Jacob the lame. By fighting with You for others, I will certainly not lose my freedom. And lame. . . Well. . . I’ve already been for a long time. . .