Prayer is simply communing with God. In this safe place, we have access to share our must vulnerable thoughts with the living God. He desires our honesty, even if it’s the hardest thing we want to tell Him. He loves talking to us. I love that our prayer life has no expectations or requirements. God always hears us, even if we don’t get a response from Him right away. This, my friend, is when our faith becomes a test in the waiting. 1 Samuel starts with a story about Hannah, a woman who persisted in prayer. Her testimony is full of heartache from infertility to fertility, and her story shows of God’s faithfulness and redemption.

God does gift Hannah a child and her infamous prayer has become an encouragement to women around the world. 1 Samuel 1: 27, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” Her mama instincts remind her that Samuel is a gift and she dedicates him to the Lord!

Hannah’s Key Points In Prayer:

*Exalt in the Lord. Hannah starts by praying, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord.” She knows that the Lord holds the highest position of authority and Kingship over her life.

*The Lord is holy. Hannah prays, “There is none holy like the Lord; for there is none besides you.” The Lord is always holy, even in our trials and tribulations.

*The Lord possesses all knowledge. “Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” Hannah addresses our human nature and how our arrogance can get in the way of the Lord’s knowledge.

*The Lord is in control. Hannah mentions what the Lord can do. The Lord while praying, recognizing that God is truly King and that He has control over her situation. She prayed without ceasing, believing in the miracle of life that God would give her.

*The Lord guards the faithful. Hannah prays, “The Lord will guard the feet of his faithful ones.” He watches over those who are faithful to him!

I love how Hannah first approaches prayer by acknowledging that God is holy, precious and her rock. She had prayed consistently for years, asking for a child and believing for the impossible. We know Hannah didn’t pray lightly. Eli, a priest, finds her praying and thinks she is drunk!

Infertility, miscarriage and losing children are all heavy subjects that God never takes lightly. He answers every women’s prayer differently. I know many friends who have lost babies, struggled with conception and have walked through darkness and pain. No matter the outcome, God has always had his hand over them. Hannah’s persistence in prayer encourages us to never give up!

Let us pray without ceasing, never giving up and bringing every little thing to the Father.

Biblical Principle: Prayer shifts and changes things in the spiritual realm. Prayer is direct access and communication with God.

Biblical Challenge: What are some ways you can strengthen your prayer life?