What Hannah's Prayer Can Teach Us Today

Writer

Updated October 22, 2024

Hannah is a woman in the Bible who dealt with a lot of adversity in her life, yet she was steadfast in seeking out the Lord. In 1 Samuel 1, we learn about Hannah’s story and how she was one of two wives to Elkanah. Hannah was barren, taunted by her foe, and was angry with God. But despite Hannah’s challenges, she was determined to surrender and submit her cares before the Lord. She prayed through her pain and resolved to continue to trust God.

Like Hannah, we also face difficult challenges and difficult seasons in life, but being diligent in seeking God in prayer will guide, uplift, and encourage us to move forward in faith. Our circumstances may not always yield our desired outcome, but God wants us to continuously pray to Him with courage, boldness, and expectation.

In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's story reveals the emotional and cultural challenges she faced as a barren woman in ancient Israel. Her husband, Elkanah, had two wives—Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah remained childless, which was deeply painful for her. In that society, a woman's value was often tied to her ability to bear children, making barrenness not only a personal sorrow but also a public shame.

To make matters worse, Peninnah regularly taunted and provoked Hannah over her inability to conceive. The text tells us that Peninnah’s words were cruel, intentionally stirring up Hannah’s pain year after year (1 Samuel 1:6-7). This ongoing harassment added to the burden Hannah already carried, leaving her emotionally crushed. Even during times of celebration, such as their yearly trip to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to the Lord, Hannah was unable to find joy—her sorrow was so great that she could not even eat.

Despite Elkanah’s love and attempts to comfort her, asking, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8), Hannah’s grief remained. This shows us that even though Elkanah cared for her deeply, his affection could not fill the void she felt in her heart. For Hannah, the absence of children represented more than unfulfilled dreams; it symbolized a sense of worthlessness and isolation in a society that measured women by their ability to bear sons.

Her pain was not just personal but spiritual as well. In ancient Israel, children were seen as a sign of God’s blessing and favor (Psalm 127:3), so Hannah may have also struggled with feelings of abandonment by God. Yet, in the midst of this despair and constant provocation from Peninnah, Hannah did not give up on seeking the Lord. Instead of retaliating or sinking into bitterness, she brought her pain before God

Here are four lessons we can learn from Hannah’s story and prayer life:

1. Be Persistent in Prayer

Hannah was deeply grieved and even angry with God, carrying the weight of unmet desires and unanswered prayers. In her culture, having children was seen not only as a blessing but also as a sign of divine favor, and her barrenness left her feeling rejected and ashamed. Her heartache was compounded by the harsh words and mockery from her rival, Peninnah, who had many children. Yet, even in her frustration and sadness, Hannah did not turn away from God—she ran toward Him. She wept bitterly in His presence, pouring out her heart in raw honesty.

What stands out about Hannah’s story is her persistence. She continued to pray, even when it felt like God was silent. Her prayers weren’t polished or perfect; they were desperate cries for help, coming from a place of deep pain. In the temple, she made a vow, promising that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service for his entire life. This act of surrender was profound—Hannah laid down her desires, trusting that God’s plans, whatever they might be, were good.

Hannah’s persistence shows us that faith is not the absence of struggle but the decision to keep seeking God, even when the road is hard. She teaches us that it’s okay to bring our anger, tears, and doubts before the Lord. In the end, God answered her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, a prophet who would play a significant role in Israel’s history. But more than that, through prayer, Hannah found peace in the presence of God long before her circumstances changed, reminding us that true comfort comes not just from receiving what we ask for but from resting in God’s faithful presence.

1 Samuel 1:12 states that she kept on praying to the Lord. And her prayers were not just a one-time event, but she prayed with an intensity and focus. 1 Samuel 1:15 states she “poured her soul before the Lord.”

What's known as "Hannah's Prayer" is found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10:

Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.
“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.
“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; on them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails;
those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. “He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

God calls for us to persistently pray for strength, wisdom and petition our requests with consistency, confidence, and steadfastness. When things are not going to plan or the outcome is not what we would like, it is easy to stop praying or believe that God has abandoned us. Praying to God persistently deepens our relationship with God and is an act of worship and surrender. When we pray, we acknowledge that we are not in control and are welcoming God’s sovereignty.

Today, I invite you to not lose heart and continue to pray persistently to God, surrendering every emotion, doubt, fear, and anxiety over to Him. God welcomes us like a loving parent and hears us through prayer.

2. Speak Victory Despite Opposition

Hannah was taunted initially for being barren by Elkanah’s second wife Peninnah for many years (1 Samuel 1:6-7). While Hannah wept and was distraught by this ongoing ridicule, she did not stop praying and seeking the Lord. Although her circumstances were overwhelming and she could have easily lost hope, she resolved to be victorious in Christ Jesus (1 Samuel 2:1b).

When we face difficult seasons or relationships that seem unbearable or hopeless, let us be encouraged by Hannah’s commitment to trusting God. Speak life and victory over our circumstances, spirit, and future. When we are distracted by opposition, negativity, or self -doubt that will come, we can resolve to seek God’s word for renewed hope and walk in the victory that is in Christ Jesus.

Walking in victory does not mean that our challenges will instantaneously disappear, but it does mean that we have decided to not have them consume us. Begin to walk in victory each day and let God guide you through seasons of opposition and strife.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/MangoStarStudio

3. Surrender Your All Before God

When Hannah prayed, she did not hold back. She poured all her emotions before the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:16 states “I have been praying here out of great anguish and grief.” Although God already knew Hannah’s plight, she surrendered every raw emotion she was feeling.

When Hannah prayed, she didn’t filter her emotions or hold anything back—she laid her heart bare before the Lord. She wasn’t concerned about praying the "right way" or choosing the perfect words. Instead, she let her tears and anguish flow freely, trusting that God could handle the weight of her sorrow. In 1 Samuel 1:16, Hannah explains, “I have been praying here out of great anguish and grief.” Her prayer wasn’t polished; it was raw and honest, a desperate cry from someone carrying the heavy burden of unmet expectations, disappointment, and pain.

What’s striking is that even though God already knew what she was going through, Hannah still poured out every raw emotion. She didn’t brush aside her pain or pretend she was okay. She surrendered it all—the bitterness, the heartache, and the longing—right there at the feet of God. There’s something incredibly powerful about that kind of surrender. In a culture where vulnerability is often discouraged and people feel pressure to “keep it together,” Hannah’s prayer reminds us that God wants our authentic selves.

She shows us that God isn’t afraid of our messy prayers. When we feel overwhelmed by grief, anger, or frustration, we can bring those emotions to Him without fear of judgment. He invites us to be real with Him. The beauty of Hannah’s prayer is that it wasn’t about presenting a perfect front to God—it was about opening her heart fully, trusting that He would meet her in her brokenness.

As we continue to grow in our relationship with God and spiritual maturity, God does not want us to sugarcoat where we are. At times, we may believe that God cannot handle the weight of our situation. However, in our greatest seasons of strife or despair, God desires for us to draw close to Him. God can handle every weight, burden, uncertainty, or fear we have.

When words are not adequate, Romans 8:26 states, “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” God’s great love for us covers us each day. Surrender your all to the Lord and allow God to move in and through you and your circumstance.

4. Remember God’s Faithfulness

As Hannah prays to God, she gives Him thanks and remembers His faithfulness. After God granted Hannah the blessing of a son, she named him Samuel, meaning "God has heard" (1 Samuel 1:20), a lasting reminder of God’s faithfulness in answering her prayers. 1 Samuel 2:2 states, “there is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you. There is no rock like our God.” Hannah recognized God’s ultimate sovereignty and that God’s faithfulness prevailed.

During trying times, remembering God’s faithfulness will strengthen, encourage, and remind us that He has not abandoned us. After God granted Hannah the blessing of her son Samuel, she continued to give God praise. Similarly to Hannah, our unwavering commitment to pursuing God in prayer and thanking Him for continued blessings keeps us be connected and encouraged that God has not forgotten about us. As we make a habit of reflecting on God's faithfulness, our perspective begins to shift. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we become more aware of God’s continued provision and presence. This practice of thankfulness strengthens our faith, giving us hope and encouragement to keep trusting Him, even in seasons of waiting.

Ultimately, gratitude becomes a powerful reminder that God is with us—in both the blessings we’ve already received and the promises yet to be fulfilled. Just as Hannah's praise reflected her trust in God's unfailing nature, our ongoing praise will remind us of God’s steadfast presence and unchanging faithfulness throughout every season of life.

Prayer Is a Powerful Tool

Hannah’s story is a powerful one of strength, courage, persistent prayer, and unwavering commitment to seeking God’s face. She faced challenging circumstances, felt discouraged and angry with God. Despite her challenges, feelings of rejection and abandonment, she did not stop praying. She prayed when she was unsure if she would ever have children, and she prayed when God blessed her with a son.

If you are in a season of ongoing adversity, challenges, or opposition, I invite you to be encouraged by Hannah’s story and her resilience in seeking God. Continue to be persistent in prayer, surrender all your emotions to God, remember God’s faithfulness, and speak victory despite opposition.

Prayer is a powerful tool that God wants us to use to stay connected with Him, strengthen our spiritual maturity, and use as a weapon to overcome the tactics of the enemy. When adversity comes, the good news is that God desires for us to draw closer to Him and we are victorious through Christ Jesus.

Kirstyn Mayden is an author, certified ministry coach, and speaker whose mission is to help women in ministry recover from burnout. She is a wife and mom who loves Jesus with all her heart. For the last 20 years, Kirstyn has served in several ministry roles serving with children, youth, and women. Currently, she serves alongside her husband in ministry in West Virginia. She is the author of Merciful Moments: A Devotional Journal for Moving Forward with Grace Each Day and Merciful Moments Activity Guide. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Connect with Kirstyn at www.kirstynmayden.com.