Samuel 2:1-10(Matins – Canticle Three – The Prayer of Hannah the mother of Samuel the Prophet)
(I Kingdoms 2:1-10)
The barren one wonderfully beareth a son and praiseth God, Holy art Thou, O Lord, and my spirit praiseth Thee.
“My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation.
“There is none holy like the LORD, there is none besides thee; there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
He granteth his petition unto him that prayeth, and hath blessed the years of the righteous.
For the mighty man shall not be strong in his own strength;
the Lord shall weaken his adversary; the Lord is holy.
Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty an in his strength; let not the rich man boast in his riches.
But him that boasteth, let him make his boast in this: that he hath understanding, and knoweth the Lord; and that He worketh judgment and righteousness in the midst of the earth.The Lord hath gone up into the heavens, and hath thundered; he shall judge the ends of the earth, for He is righteous.
And He shall give strength unto our kings, and exalt the horn of His anointed.