LESSONS FROM HANNAH’S GRIEF – THE FERVENT PRAYER OF HANNAH

Dear Members in Christ,

Lessons from Hannah’s grief – the fervent prayer of Hannah

We read in a previous article that believers are not spared from the troubles of this life. In life, we face failures, discouragement, and persecution, which may be at times manifested in the ridicule of others for our faith. Or perhaps we have some weakness which we cannot overcome, and it is preventing us from achieving our goals and desires in our spiritual life. Or perhaps we are struggling with some shortcoming which hinders us at work or in our family life.

How then should we respond when we are faced with these sort of trials which makes us feel helpless? In 1 Samuel 1, we read of Hannah, a woman who was childless and was tormented by her adversary. Despite her devotion to God, she was in such a state of distress because she was deliberately provoked and taunted.

“And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.” 1 Samuel 1:6-7

How did Hannah respond in such a situation? The Bible tells us that in her hopelessness, she finds comfort in prayer for in 1 Samuel 1:10, we read that “… she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.” There’s a lesson this account that we can apply in our lives. That is, Hannah’s prayer in her distress is the child’s cry to her heavenly Father. 

A. No matter how distressing the situation, prayer should our first response

There is no doubt that Hannah was sorely tested. The Bible describes her condition as one who is “in bitterness of soul” and outwardly, her grief could not be restrained. She wept sorely for the Bible records, “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.” 1 Samuel 1:10.

The experience of being taunted by others can be humiliating and demeaning. No doubt Hannah was undergoing such an experience. Some years ago, we read in the media of a man who was constantly taunted by his demanding wife. He was unable to hold a job and was not able bring in a steady income. And the wife was humiliating him often, sometimes in the presence of others. The constant badgering provoked a situation which was disturbing and violent to say the least.

Hannah was the subject of humiliating provocation and taunts from Peninnah. But we see that Hannah looked to God for help, and she prayed a prayer and made a vow.

“And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” 1 Samuel 1:11

Dearly beloved, do not mistake this verse as an encouragement to make frivolous vows before God when we are in trouble. The real lesson in this is that God is the One to turn to in our distress. Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord God. It is He alone that can deliver us, and therefore we seek His gracious deliverance. Let us learn the lesson of fervent and sincere prayer.

B.  Praying in faith means trusting that God will do what is best for us

Hannah’s faith is exhibited in the way she prayed. As she described to Eli the priest, “but have poured out my soul before the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:15. This is the lesson of faith. She took her burdens and laid it upon the Lord in prayer.

Brothers and sisters, no matter what our distress may be, we can trust that God can hear our prayers. Recently, a sister confessed to me that her life had been full of trials, but prayer and faith in God had sustained her all these years.

Hannah’s faith can also be seen in the way she responded after having prayed. The Bible records, “And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18.

Hannah showed great faith, she broke her fast, and was not sad. This is the response of a child of God who trusts in her heavenly Father’s providence. The Bible will tell us that the Lord answered her prayer and Hannah conceived (1 Samuel 1:20). And herein is the lesson in faith. When we pray, we trust that God will do what is best for His own glory and for our good. Whatever the outcome, the believer must never despair in any situation. But dearly beloved, we must all learn to trust that God is in control, and that God will do what is best for us. May His name be praised. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor