Read:  In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly 1 Sam 1:10

Examine: Hannah is one of two wives of Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, had given birth to Elkanah’s children, but Hannah was unable to bear children. Hannah was barren, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life.

As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli misunderstood her, after the conversation Eli understood she was praying and Eli blesses her, Hannah replied May your servant find favor in your eyes. Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

The LORD remembered her. So, in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, Because I asked the LORD for him. After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, and brought him to the house of the LORD. Samuel grew up to great prophet in Israel.

And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

Application: Hannah is blessed by God and is given a son, named Samuel. Because of her great faith and thankfulness.

Hannah remained faithful to God even during difficult times.  Hannah never lost her focus on the God who cared for her. Hannah was a woman of prayer. She took her burdens to the Lord. She prayed for a son and then offered a rich prayer of praise when God answered. Her prayers were her lifeline.

Hannah kept her promise to God even though it was difficult. She had pledged her son to the Lord, and she followed through. When the time came to leave her only son with Eli, she certainly would have had difficulty. But her pain did not lessen her integrity. By God’s grace, she was blessed with even more children in the end.

Hannah acknowledged God’s answers to her requests.  Hannah offers a wonderful role model for all believers. Her experience provides an example of faithful prayer and commitment to God.

Decision: Oh Lord, help us to be like Hannah, remained faithful to God even during difficult times, woman of prayer and keep promise to God even though it is difficult