Prayer

Prayer

Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.

1 Samuel 1:10

Have you ever experienced times of grief, bitterness, or anguish, when you felt as though you were slipping? Hannah did. Back in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel (1:1–2:21), we learn that Hannah was married to Elkanah, a Levite priest. He also had a second wife, named Peninnah. Each year the combined families made a trip to the Shiloh tabernacle, and each year the same thing happened: Elkanah celebrated his sacrifices by giving gifts to Peninnah and each of her children, but Hannah received only one for herself because she had no children. The Bible tells us that Peninnah laughed at Hannah’s barrenness, making Hannah cry so much that she couldn’t eat.

One evening in Shiloh, Hannah went over to the tabernacle. Out of her bitter grief and anguish, she cried out to the Lord. In the process of praying, she endured even more taunting because the priest mistook her sorrow for drunkenness! But something amazing happened after she poured out her heart to God. The priest gave her a blessing of peace, and after she left the tabernacle, she ate and her face was no longer downcast. After worshipping God together, the families went home, and Hannah became pregnant. We find Hannah’s beautiful song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

What’s the lesson for us? In our heartache or anguish, we can cry out to the Lord, acknowledging that he is God and we are not. We can pour out our souls—grief, bitterness, and all. And after we bring him our requests, we can get on with our lives and worship God, thankful that he hears us.

Father,

Thank you for examples of women like Hannah, who experienced some of the same feelings of sorrow we have from time to time. Thank you that we can express our emotions to you and that you give us the grace and strength to stand up and move ahead. Thanks for your answers to our prayers. Amen.