Hannah's Gift - Poem

Hannah’s Gift

With her heart pure and pleading, and seeking God’s blessing

Hannah’s sacred desire, the Lord granted in mercy

From the reaches of Heaven, to her a son came

Dedicated to God’s service, the boy Samuel, she named

While he was yet a small child, Hannah remembered her promise

In the temple she placed him at the feet of the prophet

With gratitude, faith and devotion she went

Her child, returned to the Lord, while still innocent

“Samuel, Samuel,” the Lord called, and searching the boy went

“Listen,” the Prophet Eli counseled, “A voice from Heaven is sent”

Continuous knowledge and instruction came from that time forth

To tutor the young, eager mind, upon the Lord’s course

Prepared to teach, serve and testify, and call to repentance

The children of Israel, and warn of the Lord’s judgements

Did Hannah know the mission and vision to be given her son

When to the temple and prophet, they traveled as one?

Upon a Latter-day journey, travel I and my child

Prepared from infancy to hearken to God’s voice, so mild

Taught and tutored within the sacred walls of home and temple

To prayerfully study and follow, Christ’s loving example

Accepting God’s Priesthood as power in Heaven and Earth

Receiving personal witness of truths taught since birth

Called by a prophet to labor for Gentile and Israelite alike

Inviting all to partake of Christ’s love, truth and light

Oh, Hanna, give us of thy faith and devotion, so pure

That through separation and trials we’ll have strength to endure

And with your gratitude and praise, our hearts be filled

That we joyfully determine to do the Father’s will

By Janice Harten
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.