Psalm 45-51, I Samuel 1-3

How can you top the words of the Psalms. These are my favorite quotes.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its water roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult...........Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46: 1-3, 10a
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God withloud songs of joy. Psalm 47:1
Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increase. For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down ater them. Psalm 49:16-17
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:14-15
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.....Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.....O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise...The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise....Psalm 51: 1-2, 10, 15, 17

I Samuel 1-3
Two prayers by one woman begin the books of Samuel. Hannah pours out her soul to God that she might have a son. Then when she bears a child she again pours out her soul to God. In the first chapter her petition is the cry of a woman lost, but in chapter 2 it is the joyous cry of one who knows God's greatness. I wonder how many of us have cried out like Hannah in times of trouble, but forgotten to praise God in times of thanksgiving. How many of us have asked God's blessing with a promise, but not followed through. Hannah asked God for a son and then willingly gave Eli to the Lord at the temple. Her prayer and response to God's gift gives us all pause as to how we pray and respond to God.
In chapter three we read the call of Eli. Sometimes we don't recognize God's call without the help of others. Just like Eli needed Samuel to let him know it was God calling. Sometimes we we do recognize God's voice and answer, but what God wants is difficult for us to do just like Eli being asked to proclaim something that will make the 'ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.' 3.11. God's call and God's work are not for the meek and timid nor are they for the powerful and professional. God's work is for those whom God calls and who willingly answer. The old sayings are God doesn't call the qualified, but qualifies the called; God doesn't ask if you are able, but asks you to be available. The stories of Hannah and Eli show us how God calls each of us to participate in God's story.