And Hannah Prayed - ( I Samuel 2 )

I believe that Hannah prayed often. I believe she prayed when her needs were great, and when her needs were met. Through praying, Hannah saw God working outside on her circumstances, and on the inside on her character and faith.

In I Samuel 1:10, Hannah had a problem, and she brought it to the Lord in prayer. She was a wife, but was unable to have children. Hannah came unto the Lord with the burden of her heart, and He answered her prayer and opened her womb. Hannah became the mother of a

baby boy named Samuel.

In I Samuel 2:1, Hannah came unto the Lord again in prayer. Samuel is a young, healthy, growing boy and is presented unto the Lord as his mother had promised God she would do if she had a child. Hannah didn’t pray in I Samuel 2:1 because she had another need, but because the great need she had in chapter one had been met! She had been barren in chapter one, but had given birth in chapter two. In chapter one, grief had brought her to prayer, but in chapter two, it is gratitude that brings her to God in prayer.

What does a prayer of gratitude sound like?

1. It was very personal, “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord”. She knew where this blessing came from, and apart from the Lord’s goodness and grace, nothing would have changed.

2. It was very humble, “Mine horn is exalted in the Lord”. The horn speaks of power. The strength to bring forth a son through a barren womb didn’t come from Hannah, but from the Lord. Through the prayers of Hannan and the greatness of the Lord, this child would be a special man who would be a great blessing to his Lord, country and mother.

3. It is very creditable, “My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies”. Hannah had been looked down on, and talked about in bad ways because she had no children, but through her praying she can give testimony of how the Lord showed great mercy unto her in opening her womb.

4. It was very commendable, “because I rejoice in thy salvation”. “Salvation” means to deliver. God had brought Hannah out of barrenness, ridicule, and shame and showed her His favor on her situation.

Prayers of gratitude should follow prayers of grief.