BACKGROUND
Samuel was a great prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. He was born to Hannah, one of the wives of Elkanah. Unfortunately, Hannah was unable to have children because the Lord had closed her womb. This deeply grieved her, especially as she was provoked by a jealous rival. In her sorrow, Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord if her prayer was answered. God heard her prayer, and in response, she praised Him.

MAIN IDEA
When we don’t know what to do in uncertain circumstances, we must pour out our souls to the Lord in prayer following through when the Lord answers.

There are three details about Hannah’s prayer that can follow:

THE DEPENDENCY UPON GOD
Hannah could not rely on her husband, her priest, or others to understand the depth of her sorrow. Instead, she humbled herself before the Lord and prayed. Likewise, when we pray, we must begin by humbling ourselves as we approach God’s throne.

THE DETERMINATION OF HANNAH

1. DESIRE IN HER HEART
   Hannah had a deep desire to have a child, specifically one she could dedicate to the Lord. This desire moved her to pray. Similarly, the Lord places desires in our hearts. We should identify them and bring each one before God in prayer.
   
   

2. DILIGENT IN HER HABIT
   With the desire in her heart, Hannah prayed diligently and persistently. She poured out her soul to God and took extra time to be in His presence. We, too, must set aside time for prayer and develop a consistent habit of coming before the Lord.
   

THE DEDICATION OF SAMUEL
God answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, whom she named Samuel, acknowledging that she had asked the Lord for him. Hannah honored the vow she had made in prayer and dedicated Samuel to the Lord, likely under a Nazarite vow (someone set apart to serve God). Her response was not only obedience but also adoration, as she offered a prayer of praise in the next chapter. As believers, we must be faithful to fulfill the commitments we make to God in prayer. Furthermore, we should always take time to praise Him when our prayers are answered.

DISCUSSION QUESTION
Is there a specific prayer request that you have this week or any answered prayer request that you want to praise God for today?