Great Mothers of the Bible Series: Hannah…Praying Mother

Great Mothers of the Bible Series

Hannah…Praying Mother (I Samuel 1:27-28)

I Samuel 1:27-28, “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.”

Billy Sunday tells of a minister who was making visits. He came to a certain home and asked for the mother but the child opening the door answered, "You cannot see mother for she prays from nine to ten." He waited forty minutes to see that mother, and when she came out of her prayer closet the light of glory was on her face, and he knew why that home was so bright; he knew why her two sons were in the ministry and her daughter a missionary. "All hell cannot tear a boy or girl away from a praying mother," comments Mr. Sunday. One of the greatest fears that troubles Satan is prayer. He trembles when a Christian prays. In this fractured world, each family faces troubles, tests, and tribulations, but the trial in your home can be turned into blessing if you turn to the Lord.

A woman named Hannah begged God to give her a baby boy. Hannah had prayed earnestly, continually, and specifically for a child. God blessed Hannah and answered her prayers with the birth of Samuel. After the blessing of the child, she did not forget God, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord for His service. Hannah kept her promise to God as she said she would (I Samuel 1:11). This truly exemplifies the concept of dedication. The LORD answered the prayers of thousands of godly people in Israel. Samuel, the last of the Judges (Acts 13:20) and the first of the prophets (Acts 13:24), by his godly life, his powerful preaching, and his anointing of King Saul and King David, led Israel from the distressing days of the Judges, to the dynamic days of Israel. One woman prays and a whole nation is blessed. What a good God we serve!

We learn at least three valuable lessons from Hannah’s prayer life (there are more than three):
1. Hannah prayed earnestly (I Samuel 1:11).
“…remember me, and not forget thine handmaid…”
Hannah’s heart was expressed in her words. A praying mother is a great asset to her home, her church, and her community. She prays for wisdom and discernment in teaching and training her children. Her prayer is a desire that her children would come to know the Lord, to serve Him, and to do His will.

2. Hannah prayed continually (I Samuel 1:12). “…she continued praying before the LORD…”
Hannah prayed several times a day; every day. A godly mother prays for her family every day. Just praying on occasion is not enough. The Scriptures commanded everyone to pray (Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; I Thessalonians 5:17).

3. Hannah prayed specifically (I Samuel 1:27). “For this child I prayed…”
Hannah did not just pray for any child, she specifically prayed for a man child. There is nothing wrong with praying specifically. In fact, it’s Biblical. Just as it is important when we make a list of priorities, God desires that we prioritize our prayer life. Prayers for your family need to be specific.

God remembered Hannah's prayer. She bore a son and named him Samuel, which means “God heard”. Hannah learned a wonderful truth: God answers prayer. Samuel was a gift from the Lord. The Lord had given Samuel because she had prayed believing. The peace came before she got the answer. Peace doesn’t come from getting everything we want, or think we need, from God. Peace comes from leaving everything with God, being content with what we have, and praying the Lord’s will be done. Prayer is the answer to our afflictions.

Children are a precious gift from the LORD (Psalm 127:3). The prayer every parent should be praying is for the salvation of their children and that they would serve the LORD. Hanna’s influence on Samuel started a positive ripple effect. Samuel grew up to become a great man of God. He was a prophet, a judge, and started a school for prophets. He led many people to the Lord and honored his mother in ways that she hoped for.

Hannah is a great example of godly motherhood. From the time she first desired to have a child, in prayer and purpose, she totally committed her future child to God (I Samuel 1:10-28). God was faithful in giving Hannah a son and she remained faithful to her commitment to Him. She was devoted to the Lord. She viewed her son as a gracious gift from God. Hannah kept her word, she fulfilled her vow, and honored her commitment unto the Lord by dedicating Samuel to the Lord. He had been faithful to her, and she remained faithful to Him. Much can be said regarding Hannah's commitment and faithfulness. She kept her word and obeyed the Lord. We, too, must keep our commitments to the Lord.

Points to Ponder:
Surrender to the Lord and keep committed to Him!
When we are in deep sorrow and our hearts are broken, prayer is the answer.
The Lord desires to do the impossible through situations that seem unbearable.

Questions to Consider:
Have you made promises in the past that you failed to keep?
Are you fully serving the Lord in the capacity He desires of you?
What kind of ripple effect will you create in your encounters with others today?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know that nothing happens in my life that You’re not aware of. I know that You will not abandon me in this affliction. SO, I’m asking You to teach me to see Your comforting hand in this affliction. May this sweeten my love, secure my hope, and strengthen my faith. In Jesus name, Amen.

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