A Prayer in Distress: Hannah’s Story from 1 Samuel

In the opening chapter of 1 Samuel, we meet a family marked by tension, faith, and ultimately, transformation. Elkanah, an Ephrathite, has two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. The family travels annually to Shiloh—the location of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before Solomon’s temple—to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord.

But all is not well.

The Pain of a Closed Womb

Hannah is childless, and her rival, Peninnah, taunts her mercilessly. Verse 6 tells us that Peninnah “used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb.” Year after year, this ongoing torment leaves Hannah so distressed that she refuses to eat (v. 7).

And it’s here that we encounter a powerful moment of raw vulnerability and faith.

A Desperate Prayer

In her anguish, Hannah does what many of us struggle to do—she takes her pain to the Lord. She weeps bitterly and prays, pleading for a son and vowing to dedicate him entirely to God’s service:

“O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant… and will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
(1 Samuel 1:11)

This reference to no razor touching his head is a Nazarite vow, a symbol of special dedication to God, typically for a limited time (see Numbers 6). But Hannah’s vow is for her son's entire life.

Misunderstood but Not Forsaken

As she prays silently, moving her lips but making no sound, Eli the priest mistakes her for being drunk. When he confronts her, she gently explains:

“No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit… I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.”
(1 Samuel 1:15)

Eli, realizing his mistake, speaks a blessing over her:

“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.”
(v. 17)

Hannah leaves with a renewed spirit. She eats again, her face no longer sad. Even though the promise isn’t yet fulfilled, she worships—because she trusts.

God Remembers

Back home in Ramah, God "remembers" Hannah—not in the sense of recalling, but in acting on her behalf. She conceives and gives birth to a son, naming him Samuel, which means, "I have asked for him from the Lord."

Faith That Worships Before the Answer

Hannah’s story reminds us that deep faith often begins in the depths of despair. She didn’t wait for the answer to believe. She worshipped before the miracle came. She trusted that God was not distant from her pain, but near to her brokenness.

This is why I chose this passage: Hannah’s prayer teaches us to bring our raw, honest emotions before the Lord. She didn’t hide her distress—she poured it out like an offering.

A Song of Victory: 1 Samuel 2

After Samuel is born and dedicated to the Lord, Hannah prays again in chapter 2. This prayer is strikingly different—it's a song of praise and divine justice. In it, we see a cosmic reset, where God exalts the lowly and humbles the proud.

“The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up…
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap.”
(1 Samuel 2:6–8)

Hannah’s prayer in chapter 2 isn’t about her personal vindication. It’s about God’s character—His power, justice, and mercy. She sees herself as part of something bigger: the ongoing story of a God who makes wrong things right.

Her Part in the Larger Story

Hannah gives birth to Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord. Samuel serves in the tabernacle and becomes a judge, priest, and prophet in Israel. He serves at a critical time as Israel transitions into a monarchy.

Reflection Questions

Whether you're in a season of waiting or rejoicing, Hannah’s life invites us to bring our whole hearts—tears and all—before the Lord. And trust that He sees, remembers, and acts on behalf of those who call on Him.

1. How do you typically respond when you’re in deep distress?
   Do you withdraw, seek comfort elsewhere, or turn to God in prayer like Hannah?

2. What does Hannah’s honest, emotional prayer teach you about how to approach God?
   Are there emotions or struggles you’ve been hesitant to bring before Him?

3. Hannah worshipped even before her prayer was answered.
   What would it look like for you to worship God in the midst of waiting?

4. In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah shifts her focus from her personal story to God’s character.
   How might your current prayer life change if it centered more on who God is rather than just what you need?

5. “The Lord remembered her.”
   Where in your life do you need to trust that God not only sees you but acts on your behalf?

6. God Uses Women to Advance His Kingdom                                                       

    How might God use your faithful prayers to advance His kingdom?