Why Did Hannah Pray?

According to the surrounding narrative, the poem (1 Samuel 2:1–10) was a prayer delivered by

Hannah was very sad because she had no children. She knew the importance of bearing children and teaching them about God, and she longed to be a mother and hold her own baby in her arms. A woman of deep faith, Hannah loved the Lord and knew that He would help her.

She describes her prayer as pouring out her soul in grief and great anguish. And when she is finished praying, she leaves in peace. Hannah demonstrates her faith through obedience, even when it means an extreme personal sacrifice. She has longed for this child, and she loves him as only a mother can love a child.

What was special about Hannah in the Bible?

Hannah, also spelled Anna, (11th century bc), mother of Samuel, the Jewish judge. Childless as one of the two wives of Elkanah, she prayed for a son, promising to dedicate him to God. Her prayers were answered, and she brought the child Samuel to Shiloh for religious training.

What are qualities of Hannah?

Hannah trusted God without doubt or concern.

Hannah’s story teaches us that our faith in God allows Him to bless us. Her trust in God as she turned to Him, her deep desire for children, and her faithfulness in bringing Samuel to God as promised are all evidences of God working in Hannah’s life.

“compassionate,” is closely related to the Hebrew word for “womb.” Most often, the word “compassion” and the deep emotion it conveys is associated with God. The Bible gives many pictures of God’s compassion—as a parent, a father, and even as a nursing mother.

Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none… 1 Samuel 1:6-7 her rival (Penninah) used to provoke her severely, to irritate her because the Lord had closed her womb. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.

What is the power of the womb?

The power of the womb has both been revered and feared for thousands of years now. Within it lies the power of life and of death. Here we have the capacity to harbor fertility that is beyond our capacity as women to give birth to a baby. Here is the seat of our wisdom, creativity, power, and sensuality.

What does Hannah's story teach us?

Hannah demonstrates her faith through obedience, even when it means an extreme personal sacrifice. She has longed for this child, and she loves him as only a mother can love a child. But her love for God is greater and she shows it by letting go of Samuel.

Footnotes

1 Samuel 1:1 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 6:26-27,33-35; or from Ramathaim Zuphim.
1 Samuel 1:20 Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for heard by God.
1 Samuel 1:22 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls always. I have dedicated him as a Nazirite—all the days of his life.”
1 Samuel 1:23 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac your
1 Samuel 1:24 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac; Masoretic Text with three bulls
1 Samuel 1:24 That is, probably about 36 pounds or about 16 kilograms

4 powerful scriptures about Hannah

What has been the one pursuit in your life that you’ve been waiting for Yeshua to complete in your life?
How have you been building on the promise?
Have you been diligent in your plans while you’re in preparation for your season of motherhood?

I’d love to hear your response in the comment section below.