Mothers of the BibleSample

Hannah’s Story: A Prayer I Understand

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. —1 Samuel 1:27, NIV

Have you ever prayed with your whole heart for something you desperately wanted? I know I’ve spent many mornings crying over a pregnancy test, a broken dream, a deep desire.

Hannah can relate. Her story is one of deep longing, persistent prayer and God’s faithfulness. For years, she endured the pain of childlessness, facing ridicule and sorrow. But instead of turning away from God in her anguish, she turned toward him with fervent prayer.

In the temple, she cried out to God, pouring her soul before him and making a bold promise: If he gave her a son, she would dedicate him back to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Her prayer wasn’t casual or half-hearted— it was raw, vulnerable and full of faith.

God heard Hannah. He answered her prayer, giving her a son, Samuel. Her response is recorded in her simple yet powerful words: “I prayed for this child, and the Lordhas granted me what I asked of him” (1 Samuel 1:27, NIV). True to her word, Hannah brought Samuel back to the temple, entrusting him completely to God.

As moms, we see Hannah’s story and marvel at her faith. She not only trusted God to give her what she asked for but also followed through in surrendering the very thing she prayed so hard to receive. Her story challenges us to ask ourselves this:What would it look like to fully entrust our children to God—not holding on in fear, but releasing them into his hands with faith?

Hannah’s journey reminds us that God hears the prayers of mothers. When we cry out to him in our joy, our struggles and even our desperation, he listens. And while his answers may not always come when or how we expect, his timing and plans are always perfect.

Challenge: Think about your prayers for your children. Are there areas where you need to surrender control and trust God fully? Take a moment today to pray over your kids, remembering that the God who heard Hannah hears you too.