Are You Drunk or Praying


I love when I run across occurrences in the Bible that are funny or dramatic.  This is because so many think the Bible is irrelevant and boring, but I know the contrary to be true.  There is comedy, betrayal, lust, sex, violence, deceit, love, sacrifice, redemption, salvation and more literally through out the entire Bible. So many popular movies, stories and books are ripped off from Biblical accounts. Here is an example of a scene I could really see on any screen today . . .

1 Samuel 1:9-18 (New Living Translation)

9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” 12 As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. 14 “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” 15 “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 17 “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” 18 “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

Who do you think would be funny to be seen cast in this?

On a serious note, we see the humble beginnings of one of God's greatest prophets Samuel.  God's timing is always right.  Unfortunately we usually only admit that in hindsight.  Hannah could have taken her cries to the family or friends and caused drama but, she took them to God instead who was the one person who could do something about her situation.  She poured her heart out to God and He honored that. If someone decides to get drunk I wouldn't suggest using 'I was praying" as a defense.  However, we should get so lost in our prayers that we lose sight of who is looking at us and concentrate on our creator God who is looking into us!

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