Hannah: Embracing Your God-Given Purpose for Motherhood

The Persistent Prayer: Hannah’s Journey from Barrenness to Blessings

In earlier posts, we learned about strong women like Queen Esther, the widow who trusted God, and the determined Shunammite mother. Today, we look at Hannah. Her story, from the first book of Samuel, teaches us about the power of praying again and again, even when we are sad or embarrassed.

Hannah’s Pain and Prayer

Hannah was married to Elkanah, who had another wife named Peninnah. Hannah could not have children, which made her very sad and ashamed, because in her culture, having children was important. Peninnah, who had children, made fun of Hannah and made her feel worse.

Even though Hannah was hurt, she turned to God in prayer. Every year, her family went to Shiloh to worship God and offer sacrifices. One year, Hannah felt especially sad and prayed to God with all her heart.

A Silent Prayer from the Heart

As Hannah prayed, she cried and spoke to God without making a sound. She asked God for a child and promised that if He gave her a son, she would give him back to God for his whole life.

The priest, Eli, saw Hannah’s lips moving but heard no sound. He thought she was drunk, but Hannah explained she was only very sad and praying. Then Eli blessed her, asking God to give her what she had asked for.

The Answered Prayer

After praying, Hannah felt better right away and believed God had heard her. Later, God answered her prayer. She became pregnant and had a son, named Samuel, because she had asked God for him.

When Samuel was old enough, Hannah took him to the temple and let him stay with Eli, as she had promised God. She praised God with a special prayer, thanking Him for lifting up the humble and helping the weak.

A Life Full of Blessings

Hannah’s faith and prayers brought many blessings. God gave her more children. She had three more sons and two daughters after she gave Samuel to serve Him. Her story shows us that God listens when we pray, even when we feel brokenhearted, and that He can turn our pain into wonderful blessings.

Shalom, 

Following God’s Ways, 

Natasha Chetty.