1 Samuel 2:1-10

Pentecost +25 - Year B

1 Samuel 2:1-10

A prayer is a psalm, a song of the heart.

Try this one from Jim Taylor . . .

PSALM PARAPHRASES

The Lectionary suggests 1 Samuel 2:1-10 as the psalm reading for Sunday November 18. It’s supposed to be Hannah’s song, celebrating her pregnancy, but aside from verse 5 which refers to “the barren” bearing children, it sounds to me more like the victory cry of a triumphant military general. I tried to recast it (rather loosely, I admit) as a woman finally becoming a mother.

Oh, my God, what’s happening to me?

I feel new life moving within me.

It kicks my kidneys; it compresses my bladder;

I love it!

They said it couldn’t happen.

They said I would never have a child.

Now they have to eat their words.

Ha!

I thought it was my fault.

I wasn’t trying hard enough.

I didn’t realize God couldn’t act

       until I quit trying to run things my way,

       until I quit playing God.

God helps the helpless; the rest just help themselves.

My clock was running out;

Menopause lurked beneath the bed.

Then it happened -- the spark of life!

I don’t know what lies ahead –

       it may be heaven, it may be hell.

I don’t care; I’m committed.

I’m committed to life; I’m committed for life.

There is no turning back now.

I know, beyond any flicker of doubt,

       that this is what God intended for me.

My child may be a genius or a dunce,

       a cello virtuoso or penniless poet…

But God will watch over her.

God will give her the strength I cannot give.

I had lost hope.

I shall call her Hope.

For this and other paraphrases, you can order Everyday Psalms through Wood Lake Publications, info@woodlake.com or 1-800-663-2775.