Lesson Six
“Prayerful Mother”
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 1:1-28; 1 Samuel 2:1-11, 18-21
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“Hannah” means “grace or favor.”
She used wisdom in seeking God for her needs.
THE PRAYING WIFE:
(1 Samuel 1:4-7) – Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, but Hannah was his favorite. Each year when the family went to the temple, Elkanah gave to Peninnah and her children portions of food, but to Hannah, he gave a double portion. Elkanah truly loved Hannah, but she had no children. Peninnah was very unkind and said cruel words to Hannah, because she was barren. These words filled Hannah with sorrow and she wept and did not eat. Elkanah, the husband, tried to comfort Hannah, but this was a situation that only God could help with. Hannah was a godly woman and she prayed for a son. With a broken heart, Hannah knelt before the Lord in the temple (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Three times Hannah used the word handmaid showing humility, submission, and dependence on God. Hannah made a vow (promise) that if God would give her a son, she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life. The old priest, Eli, saw Hannah and thought she was drunk because her lips moved but no voice was heard (1 Samuel 1:13-16). Hannah explained she was a woman of a sorrowful spirit, and had poured out her troubles before the Lord (Psalm 19:14). The priest encouraged her by saying the Lord would bless her (1 Samuel 1:17).
THE PROUD MOTHER:
God answered Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1:19-20) and gave her a son. She named the baby “Samuel” saying, “Because I have asked him of the Lord.” Hannah did not go to the temple for several years because she wanted to wean the child first. When she took the child to the temple, she gave Samuel to the priest, Eli. This child, Hannah told the priest is the answer to my prayer, and he shall serve the Lord all the days of his life. Each year Hannah made a little coat for Samuel and brought it to him when they went to the temple for the yearly sacrifice. God blessed Elkanah and Hannah with three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:19-21).
THE PLEASING WOMAN:
(1 Samuel 2:1-11) – Hannah gave a prayer of rejoicing. This shows a very spiritual woman. She praised God for power, holiness, knowledge and grace. Hannah had learned to pray in good times and bad times, in joy or affliction. Her first prayer was in bitterness and sorrow of soul. Now in this prayer Hannah rejoiced and praised God for victory. Samuel became a man of prayer and a great prophet. He had a great teacher, Hannah, his mother. Hannah pleased God as a wife, mother and woman.
A Thought to Remember – Pray to God about everything in your life! He cares and understands about all of our needs and heart’s desires. “The Lord is far from the wicked; but He heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). It is important to please God as a woman, wife and mother. Be balanced in all three ways of your life as a woman, wife and mother.
Lesson to Learn – Discuss prayer. Will God hear the prayers of a woman? Has God answered your prayers? Are there some things that you are praying for now? Do you have a prayer list? Have you asked others to help you in prayer? Remember, “ye have not because ye ask not.” (James 4:2). “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). Don’t stop asking, seeking and knocking. Keep praying until God tells you yes or no.
Because Hannah prayed, a nation was changed and blessed.