Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, was unable to have children. A woman in Old Testament times who could not bear children was viewed as cursed by God. Not only was infertility heartbreaking for her as a woman and wife, but Hannah would have been looked down upon by her community for her inability to bear a child.

Many of us can sympathize with Hannah. She longed to be a mother, and she was a daily witness to the children of her husband’s other wife.

But Hannah didn’t give in to despair. She prayed — without ceasing! She shared her heart’s desire with the Lord, and asked Him to bless her with a child.

Hannah prayed for a son, promising to dedicate him to God. Her prayers were answered, and she brought her child, Samuel, to Shiloh for religious training. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “Pray continually.”

When we pray without ceasing and God answers hopes that once seemed impossible — we don’t hold anything back!

Hannah was a true prayer warrior, and she kept at it until God answered; because of her faithfulness to the Lord, He blessed her with even more children than the one she gave back.

Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, thank you for Hannah’s example of faithful, fervent prayer. Help us to turn to you first, and often, with our praises and concerns. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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