The biblical account of Hannah, found in the book of 1 Samuel, provides a profound example of a parent's fervent prayer on behalf of her child. Hannah's account is a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and dedication to God, serving as an enduring model for parents seeking divine intervention and blessing for their children.

Hannah's Desperate Prayer

Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, and she was deeply loved by her husband. However, she was barren, which caused her great distress, especially in the face of provocation from Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, who had children. In her anguish, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer. The Bible records her heartfelt plea at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where she wept bitterly and made a vow to God:

"O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11).

Hannah's prayer was marked by sincerity, humility, and a willingness to dedicate her future child to the service of the Lord. Her vow to God demonstrated her deep faith and commitment, as she promised to give back to God the very blessing she sought.

God's Response and Samuel's Birth

God heard Hannah's prayer, and in due time, she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God." Hannah's response to this answered prayer was one of gratitude and fulfillment of her vow. After Samuel was weaned, she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, presenting him to Eli the priest and saying:

"I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

Hannah's actions underscore the importance of recognizing God's hand in the lives of children and the responsibility of parents to guide them in the ways of the Lord.

Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving

Following the dedication of Samuel, Hannah offered a prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This prayer is a powerful expression of praise and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. It reflects Hannah's deep trust in God and her understanding of His power to transform situations and fulfill His purposes.

Implications for Parents Today

Hannah's account offers several key insights for parents:

1. Faith and Persistence in Prayer: Hannah's example encourages parents to approach God with faith and persistence, trusting in His timing and wisdom.

2. Dedication to God: Her willingness to dedicate Samuel to the Lord serves as a reminder of the importance of raising children with a focus on their spiritual growth and service to God.

3. Gratitude and Praise: Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving highlights the importance of acknowledging God's blessings and expressing gratitude for His work in the lives of children.

4. Trust in God's Plan: Hannah's account reassures parents that God hears their prayers and is capable of bringing about His perfect will in the lives of their children.

Through Hannah's example, parents are encouraged to seek God's guidance and blessing for their children, trusting in His faithfulness and provision.1 Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him:
Nave's Topical Index

Home-Sympathy.
... the pious portion will be interposed in behalf of the ... The child fondly leans upon
the parents, looks up to ... and fill Even heaven itself with prayers and hymns ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm

Christian Behavior
... always of those that are and have been obedient children; yea, of ... Thy conversion,
possibly, is the fruits of thy parents' groans and prayers for thy soul ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... When, as parents, we shall feel our weighty and ... dear brethren, after earnestly
entreating your prayers, that we ... the bishops to appoint agents in behalf of that ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... girls came in crowds, soon followed by many of their parents. ... he visited him for
this purpose on behalf of the ... a place in their sympathy and prayers, when they ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... as children familiarly lay their complaints before their parents. ... an express prohibition,
prayed in behalf of Saul ... It is true their prayers were refused, but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... will show himself strong on the behalf of the ... his fatherly benediction upon the child's
parents, Joseph and his ... the pillows and die, for our prayers like those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... prayers than in any formal extempore prayers of Dissenters ... as a common privilege
of the children of God ... benevolence; but his enthusiastic efforts in behalf of it ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... and relations, nor even saw their children; they always ... the temple of Ceres: respect
to parents, reverence for ... was raised against him, and the prayers of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Church Abuses.
... Lawrence's Church in behalf of the London Hospital. ... to the curate who was to read
prayers!'[662 ... rose from a comparatively humble origin, 'his parents,' he tells ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

part i
... what will be the use of our prayers, of our ... the father of the Forerunner; that of
Hannah, the mother ... the prophet Samuel; that of the three children; and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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