(story told in 1 Samuel 1-2)
Hannah was a woman deeply loved by her husband Elkanah, but she carried a heavy sorrow—she could not have children. Each year, she went with her family to worship God at the temple in Shiloh. There, her pain grew as she watched Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, who had children and often mocked her. Though Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah, her heart remained broken.
One day, in deep distress, Hannah went to the temple and poured out her heart to God. She prayed silently, promising that if the Lord gave her a son, she would dedicate him to serve God for his whole life. The priest Eli saw her praying and at first thought she was drunk, but when she explained her sorrow, he blessed her and told her that God would grant her request.
Not long after, God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she gave birth to a son named Samuel, meaning “God has heard.” When Samuel was old enough, Hannah kept her promise and brought him to Eli at the temple, giving him back to God’s service. Her willingness to surrender what she had prayed so hard for showed her deep faith and gratitude.
In response, Hannah sang a beautiful prayer of praise, thanking God for lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud. Her song celebrated God’s power, justice, and mercy, and it became one of the great prayers of the Bible.
Hannah’s story reminds us that God hears our prayers, even when our hearts are heavy. Her faith, patience, and gratitude show the power of trusting God completely—He turns sorrow into joy and uses our faithfulness for His greater purpose.