Hannah's Prayer

Prayer of Hannah, an Emotional One 

What caused Hannah to pray? 

Hannah was in great agony. In the Jewish culture, being barren was considered a great misfortune and a curse. Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, was compelled to marry Peninnah because of Hannah’s barrenness. Peninnah, who bore many children, teased and mocked Hannah. Hannah felt suffocated in pain and depression. In her anguish, she went to the temple to pray. 

How did Hannah pray? (1 Samuel 1:10-18) 

Hannah’s prayer was laden with emotion and fervent in spirit before God. She found solace from her pain and anguish when she prayed. Hannah spoke to God without any pretense – her emotions lay exposed, her heart was undistracted, her mind was focused, and her spirit was connected to God’s. 

Hannah’s prayer started with a request for a child. However, by the end of her prayer, she made a commitment to give the child back to the Lord to serve Him. She went home with the belief that God had started work on her behalf and therefore she was happy and light hearted. 

Did God answer Hannah’s prayer? (1 Samuel 1:20) 

In due time, Hannah received her blessing. She bore a son who she called Samuel. 

How can we pray like Hannah? 

• Get emotional with God: Pray simple and heartfelt prayers to God. 
• Focus in prayer: Redirect your emotions to focus in prayer; do not get distracted by your surroundings and negative voices. 
• Let God’s Will be our will: Pray with utmost sincerity; then, our desires become aligned to the Will of God. 
• Faith and Confidence: It is normal for prayers to begin on our knees in anguish and desperation, especially when we go through painful situations, like Hannah’s. However, our fellowship with God helps us to rise up with strength, comfort, and courage to face the situation.

Leave your prayer room with the confidence that God has started His work on your behalf.

Taken from youversion.com