To pray like Hannah

• 1 Samuel 1:16 (MSG)
• 1 Samuel 1:17 (MSG)
• 1 Samuel 1:18 (MSG)

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Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:16-18 MSG

Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long." Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him." "Think well of me-and pray for me!" she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant.

Observation: Hanna was desperate. She was in an unhappy marriage and she wanted a baby. But as much as the prayed, the more confused her husband became. He actually thought she had been drinking because she had mentally shut out the rest of the world to focus on her prayer. When I first read this passage a few months back, I decided I wanted to always pray like Hannah.

Application: Have you ever felt like Hannah? Unhappy. In pain. Praying so hard people think you've been drinking? I've felt like Hannah many times. Praying and nothing seems to be happening. But then the answer finally comes, and God works on my behalf.

Prayer: Father I thank You for Your word this morning. Thank You for giving us the story of Hannah, one that is familiar and easy to understand. Thank you for finding me in my 'Hannah' moments and pointing me in the direction of Your son Jesus. And thank You for Your continued protection from all distractions from Your purpose for me. In Jesus, name, Amen.

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