A A PPromiseromise is a is a PPromiseromiseby Erna Johnson by Erna Johnson

2011 International Day of PrayerGeneral Conference

Women's Ministries Department

In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. 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.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11

“She was a woman of fervent piety, gentle and unassuming;

her character was marked with deep earnestness and a

lofty faith.” Patriarch and Prophets, p. 569

“O Lord of hosts” she began her prayer, therefore declaring

Him to be the host of heaven and earth, of everything He had

created. These words also expressed her

faith in His greatness and might.

“Prayer is not an expiation for sin; it has no virtue or merit of itself. All the flowery words at our command are not

equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but idle

words if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart.

But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed, as we would ask an earthly friend

for a favor, expecting it to be granted – this is the prayer of faith.” Thoughts from the Mount of

Blessing, 86

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope

for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1Hebrews 11:1

“The mother is the queen of the home, and the children are her

subjects. She is to rule her household wisely, in the dignity of

her motherhood. Her influence in the home is to be paramount; her word, law. If she is a Christian, under God's

control, she will command the respect of her children.”

The Adventist Home, p. 232

What about your promises to God? Have you promised Him your life? Your whole heart? Can you give Him your most

loved treasure, as Hannah did? Would you like to renew your

promise to the Lord as we finish this morning’s service?

Take my life, and let it beConsecrated, Lord, to Thee.Take my moments and my

days;Let them flow in ceaseless

praise.Take my hands, and let them

moveAt the impulse of Thy love.Take my feet, and let them

beSwift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me singalways, only, for my King.Take my lips, and let them beFilled with messages for Thee.Take my silver and my gold;Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and useEvery power as Thou choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.Take my heart, it is Thine own;It shall be Thy royal throne.Take my love, I pourAt Thy feet its treasure-store.Take myself, and I will beEver, only, all for Thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)