Praying At The CrossroadsSample

The Prayer of Hannah 

Hannah’s barrenness poured out in fervent prayer for a baby, while her husband’s rival wife, Peninnah, year after year bore him both sons and daughters. Elkanah’s attempt at comfort is recorded in verse 8: “Hannah, why are you crying? … Am I not better to you than ten sons?” Marriage is the primary relationship in a family, but is this a husband’s appropriate response to his wife’s grief?

Hannah’s prayer was directed to the One she knew was there, who heard, cared, and was able to meet her need. As Hannah pleaded with the Lord, she simultaneously offered Him the dearest request of her heart. If God would give Hannah a son, she would relinquish her son back the Lord in service to Him. Hannah recognized that God alone could bring life where there was none. 

Verses 20 and 27 herald God’s gift to Hannah—her baby boy, Samuel. The name Samuel means “name of God” or “one who comes from God.” Hannah’s words in verse 27 proclaim her joyful recognition that the little boy she now held was God’s direct answer to her long-offered prayers. 

First Samuel 2:1-10 records Hannah’s song of thanksgiving for the birth of Samuel. An often repeated theme in Scripture is God’s faithful care for people who are weak and helpless. He responds with power and might to strengthen those who humbly trust in Him.

God magnificently answered Hannah’s prayer for a baby in the gift of her son, Samuel. God always hears and answers our prayers. However, we must also recognize that sometimes God’s answer to our honest, heartfelt prayer is no. In those moments God is still God, and He’s still good. We entrust our hearts and our souls to God, trusting His best will for us. Although we may not receive the answer we request, God always answers our prayers.