EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Tuesday, March 10th

Samuel's Birth
1 Samuel 1-2

Summary:
Samuel would grow up to be Israel's last, greatest Judge. In his old age he will serve as advisor to Israel's first king, Saul, and anoint Israel's greatest king, David. Samuel's birth was an answer to prayer. Samuel's mother, Hannah, was childless for many years. Her childlessness cause her to be depressed and miserable. One day she was so upset that she went to the temple and wept so bitterly that a priest named Eli prayed that the Lord would give her a child. God answered her prayer by giving her Samuel.

Samuel lives in the temple with Eli and is dedicated to the service of God. Eli recognized that God was at work in Samuel's life. Samuel becomes the son that Eli always wished he had.

Sample of Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 1:10-13; 1:20

¹⁰ In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. ¹¹ And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

¹² As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. ¹³ Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk

²⁰ So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

To Read today's full reading click here: 1 Samuel 1-2

Question of the Day:
What have you asked God for many times but have yet to see an answer to that prayer?
How do you respond to God when you are frustrated by seemingly unanswered prayer?

Prayer Focus:
Thank you for always listening to my prayers. Please help me to remember when I get frustrated that I can't always see or hear your answers.