Hannah’s Cry For A Child - Once-A-Day Devotional for Women

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

1 Samuel 1:10 – 11

Hannah lived in a time when a woman was dishonored if she was unable to bear children. Her rival—her husband’s other wife—took advantage of this situation. She flaunted her own children before Hannah. When the whole family went up to Jerusalem for the feast, Hannah found herself unable to join in the celebration. Instead, she went into the Tabernacle and expressed her deep longings to God and poured out her intense sorrow before the Lord. She knew to whom she should turn when she was down. She knew the Almighty was the only one who could help her up. She didn’t arrogantly demand that God give her a son. Instead, she expressed her willingness to give herself for what she desired. She vowed before God that, if he would give her what she most desired, she would give her son back to God.

What is the cry of your heart? Have you brought it before God? Have you been willing to bear the “cost,” should God ask for it?

PRAYER

Dear Lord Almighty, if you will look down upon me and answer my prayer …