RPG Adults
THEOLOGY LEARNED FROM PRAYER
TUESDAY, MARCH 14
1 Samuel 2:1-10
James 4:1-6
“…God resisteth the proud, but
giveth grace unto the humble.”
THEOLOGY LEARNED FROM PRAYER
God reveals Himself through His Word and through His works. Therefore, we can learn and know God through the prayers He answers as well as those He refuses to answer. John says if we ask according to God’s will, He hears and answers. James says we do not receive because we ask amiss out of lust. What do we need to know about God? What theology does Hannah highlight in her song of praise to God for the answer she received from God?
“There is none holy as the LORD…” (1 Sam 2:2). The attributes of the LORD is where Hannah began her song of praise. The catechisms of the Protestant Christian faith, in explaining God, highlight the attributes of God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism to the question “What is God?” states, “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.” Hannah, in praise to God, sings of His goodness (1 Sam 2:1), holiness (1 Sam 2:2), wisdom (1 Sam 2:3), power (1 Sam 2:4), and justice (1 Sam 2:5).
“The LORD killeth, and maketh alive…” (1 Sam 2:6). The providence and works of the LORD form the second part of Hannah’s song of praise. The catechisms of the Protestant Christian in addition to the attributes of God also present the will and sovereignty of God. Concerning providence, the Shorter Catechism explains, “God’s works of providence are, His most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.” Hannah in her praise song also outlined God’s governance and ordering of the lives of all His creatures. She pointed out His providential government, attributing life and death to God (1 Sam 2:6), poverty and riches to God (1 Sam 2:7), and status in life to God (1 Sam 2:8). She then pointed out God’s preserving grace and mercy towards His saints (1 Sam 2:9-10).
Indeed, the knowledge of God’s nature and work is the greatest source of joy and comfort to all of God’s children amidst life’s circumstances. As we pray, we learn; as we learn, we have joy and comfort in God.
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 86:8-10.)
PRAYER: Help me to trust Thy goodness in all things, O Father.