Hannah’s Heartfelt Prayer for Samuel

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you cried out to God in desperation? One woman’s pleading prayer led to an overabundance of blessings. Yet, she had to sacrifice many things in order to get there. Find out how Hannah’s Prayer to God led her to answered prayer. 

As Christian women, we can learn many valuable lessons in the Bible based on godly and womanly characters. Hannah was one of several barren women in the Bible who competed with another wife bearing many children. Hannah’s desperate prayer led her to many children, her first dedicated to the Lord.  

We’ll discover why she was an amazing young woman with humbleness despite the humiliation. We’ll also see how God blessed and rewarded her for her faithfulness. 

Who is Hannah in the Bible? 

Hannah lived in Ramathaimzophim at the time of the judges when the Tabernacle was in Shiloh. During King David’s reign, Hannah, possibly the first of two wives to Elkanah, was barren without a child. Hannah suffered mental anguish for not bringing a child into the world. Yet, she rejoiced in the Lord and praised him consistently.

The second wife, Peninnah, had many sons and daughters yet mocked Hannah and made her life miserable as her adversary. This is certainly a reminder of how polygamy is not intended by God.

What is Hannah’s Prayer?

In 1 Samuel 2, or Hannah’s Prayer, we read about Hannah’s struggles with not having a child. In the Jewish culture, it was considered a stigma, an embarrassment, to not have children. Children were blessings from God, yet, Hannah felt cursed with a heavy heart. 

However, Hannah, despite her circumstances, praised the Lord with joy and exaltation. Something to note as you read these Bible verses about Hannah. She didn’t pray to God as Elohim or Adonai – instead, she prayed to God as Jehovah. Jehovah means a Redeemer, Father, Shepard, and merciful, covenant-keeper Creator. 

Let’s read Hannah’s Prayer and digest as much as possible on how we can pray to our Heavenly Father. This is a great and powerful example of how to pray in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

What Did Hannah Mention in Her Prayer

Hannah’s deep, intimate relationship and knowledge with God are clear in her prayer (1 Sa. 2:1-10). Seriously, this is one of the best prayers of a woman in Scripture. Hannah’s Prayer is something we should study, live by, and use as a consistent example when we are speaking to the Lord. Hannah’s Prayer has three key attributes: praising, rejoicing, and acknowledging the true God with reverence and honor.

Hannah’s Prayer for a Child

How Did Hannah Pray for a child? The Bible tells us throughout the book of Samuel that Hannah accomplished these attributes when praying to Almighty God:

• Fasting
• Rejoicing
• Fervency
• Selflessness
• Devotion to God’s Will

1 Samuel 2:1–2 – And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

How did God answer Hannah’s prayer?

God greatly blessed Hannah with her first child, Samuel, whom she sacrificed to the Lord. After giving Samuel away to live at the Tabernacle in Shiloh once he was weaned, God still looked after Hannah. Hannah was the mother of many more children after the sacrifice of Samuel.

Can you imagine observing Hannah as she carried her beloved and sweet son to the Tabernacle? We may be sad for her. However, she was happy to have fulfilled her vow to God!

God gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters. In addition, Hannah was able to visit Samuel every year during the feasts and even bring him a beautiful and loving present, a coat. What a wonderful reunion it was for mother and son! 

How Many Years Did Hannah Pray for a Son?

The Bible does not specifically say how long Hannah was barren, however, the second wife had many children. This may indicate it could have been at least a decade, maybe two. Tradition suggests she waited about 19 years.

Lessons from Hannah in the Bible

What can we learn from Hannah’s prayer verses? What does Hannah’s Prayer mean for Christian women? Here are some takeaways in Hannah’s selfless Prayer:

• She prayed with uplifting praise for Jehovah God.
• Her plea was filled with Joy in her salvation and her God.
• She speaks of her “horn”, a symbol of strength and power.
• Hannah has a great understanding of God and her savior.
• She knows her adversary Peninnah is persecuting her.

The happy ending does occur after years of Hannah’s patience. Her firstborn she dedicated to the Lord obeyed God and was greatly used by him. Can you imagine if we would pray like Hannah, how much we could accomplish? To be able to produce such a fine child and please the Lord is just a wonderful gift to give to God. 

How can you pray more like Hannah? What is troubling you? Speak out loud 1 Samuel 1:1-10 to see how Hannah prayed to her Father. Then, review and meditate on these scriptures to break down the most effective way to pray. You’ll discover how much praising, thanking, and seeking God’s will can bring you an abundance of blessings.