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The ark of God dwelled within the tabernacle in the city of Shiloh. Hannah traveled with her husband, Elkanah, to Shiloh to worship the Lord of hosts at the tabernacle.
Elkanah gave the offering. Then it was time to eat and drink. But Hannah's heart was sad. So she couldn't eat.
Elkanah loved Hannah. And he was worried about her. Soon everyone else had finished eating and drinking. Then Hannah left and went to pray. She wept as she prayed. She made a vow to God.
Hannah prayed, "Lord of hosts, remember me. If You will give me a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life. No razor shall come upon his head."
The Lord remembered Hannah. He gave her a son. Hannah named him Samuel because God heard her prayer.
Hannah kept her vow. Elkanah agreed. When Samuel was three years old, Hannah brought him to live in the house of the Lord at Shiloh. Hannah praised the Lord, "My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord."
Samuel grew in stature and favor in the Lord. And like his mother, Hannah, Samuel prayed to the Lord of hosts.
Food feeds our bodies. But did you know prayer feeds our souls? Hannah's prayer turned from tears to praise. For God remembered her.
Hannah's praise continued in I Samuel 2:5, "No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God."
Parent Tip: Gather construction paper in tan, green, white, red, yellow, and brown. Cut enough of each color into 4 inch squares for you and your child(ren). Pass out the squares and markers. Have everyone write or dictate the following on their squares:
1st tan square: What's one thing for which you want to praise the Lord?
Green square: How can you acknowledge His will in your life?
White square: What is one need you'd like to bring before the Lord?
Red square: Have you done anything wrong? Ask God to forgive you.
Yellow square: How has God shown mercy in your life?
Brown square: What are the names of people you love? Write them down and
ask God to bless and protect them, and you.
2nd tan square: What is one final thing for which you want to give God praise?
Put it all together, and you have a prayer sandwich! (Matthew 6:9-13)