Mother's Day

May 11, 2008

Opening:
Read 1 Samuel 1:1-20
Just review the story briefly. Use a study bible to put the story in context within redemptive history.

Digging Deeper:
Read 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
Hannah had (approximately) 3-4 years with Samuel. It’s hard to imagine giving up a child so young, yet old enough to truly develop a bond. Look over the song of Hannah. Spend some time looking into the personal nature of this song- how does it reflect Hannah, Samuel and God’s character.
Think about your own upbringing. What was the song your parents sang over you? Or, what do you wish they sang/prayer over you? If you are a parent, how can we begin to sing the songs of our children? How do we shape and direct them, while letting them grow into their own persons? What does it look like for us, in practice, to give our children to God? In what ways does this free us? In what ways does it intensify our responsibilities?

Closing:
Take a few minutes to write a song over yourself, your spouse, or your child(ren). Share this with the group if you are comfortable.