The Power of a Praying Mother
Today, I want to share a powerful message from the Bible about a woman who exemplified the heart of a mother even before she bore a child. Her name is Hannah, and her story, found in 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2, is a beautiful testament to the love of a mother and the power of prayer. I encourage you to read these chapters yourself, but let’s dive into a portion of 1 Samuel 1, starting at verse 8, to explore Hannah’s faith and the lessons we can learn from her.
The Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:8-18
Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
Let us pray: God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this passage about Hannah, who had the love of a mother before she even had a child. Thank You for reminding us of the power of prayer, especially the power of a praying mother. We love You, and we pray You use Your Word to speak to our hearts today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Heart of a Mother
The title of today’s message is “The Power of a Praying Mother.” There is undeniable power in a mother’s prayers. If you’ve been blessed with a praying mother, you know what I mean. There’s something special about the way a mother loves her children, a love that comes close to the unconditional love God has for us. While nothing compares to the love of God—who sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins—the love of a mother is perhaps the closest earthly example we have. Can I get an amen?
Hannah’s story is particularly moving because she wasn’t yet a mother when we meet her in 1 Samuel 1. Yet, she had the heart and love of a mother. She longed for a child, but she faced the pain of infertility. Her husband, Elkanah, had another wife, Peninnah, who had children and taunted Hannah for her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:1-8). This caused Hannah deep sorrow, depression, and anguish. She wept, she couldn’t eat, and her heart was grieved. But instead of turning to despair or worldly comforts, Hannah did something beautiful—she turned to God in prayer.
The Power of Prayer
Hannah’s story teaches us several powerful lessons about prayer, not just for mothers but for all of us. Let’s explore a few key takeaways:
1. Let Your Sorrows Drive You to Prayer
When Hannah was overwhelmed with grief, she didn’t turn to alcohol, drugs, or sin. She didn’t let worry consume her or complain endlessly. Instead, she poured out her soul to God. Her example challenges us: when we face sorrows, pain, or struggles, let them drive us to the Lord in prayer. Too often, we let our sorrows overwhelm us or lead us to unhealthy coping mechanisms. But Hannah shows us a better way—take it to God.
2. Pray with All Your Heart
Hannah prayed with such intensity that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk because her lips moved but her voice was silent (1 Samuel 1:12-14). She was crying out to God with every fiber of her being, weeping and pleading for His help. Have you ever prayed like that? Have you ever cried out to God with all your heart, tears streaming down your face, saying, “God, help me”? Mothers, I know many of you have prayed this way for your children. When we pray, let’s not do it half-heartedly. Let’s give it all to God, crying out with every ounce of our being.
3. Pray Specifically
Hannah’s prayer was specific. She asked God for a son, saying, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11). She didn’t pray vaguely; she laid her heart’s desire before God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to let our requests be made known to God, promising that His peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard our hearts. Have you brought your specific requests to God? Tell Him your heart’s desire, knowing that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
4. Continue in Prayer
Hannah didn’t give up. She kept praying, even when her situation seemed impossible. Jesus taught us to always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). There are times when we may feel like giving up, when we wonder if God will ever answer. But Hannah’s persistence reminds us to keep praying, to keep calling out to God. I’ve seen prayers answered after years of waiting, and I know many of you have similar testimonies. Don’t lose heart—keep praying.
5. God Gives Peace
One of the most beautiful parts of Hannah’s story is what happens after she prays. The Bible says, “So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18). Her circumstances hadn’t changed yet—she didn’t know she would have a child—but God gave her peace. When we pray, God can give us a peace that surpasses understanding, even when our situation remains the same. That divine peace is unlike anything the world can offer.
6. Respond in Obedience and Praise
When God answered Hannah’s prayer, she responded with obedience and praise. She conceived and bore a son, Samuel, whose name means “God has heard” (1 Samuel 1:20). True to her vow, she dedicated Samuel to the Lord, bringing him to serve in the tabernacle after he was weaned (1 Samuel 1:22-28). And then, in 1 Samuel 2:1-2, she praised God:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none beside You, nor is there any rock like our God.”
Hannah gave God the glory for answering her prayer. She didn’t take it for granted—she worshiped Him. And God blessed her further, giving her three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21). When God answers our prayers, let’s respond with obedience and give Him the praise He deserves.
A Call to Prayer
Hannah’s story is a reminder of the power of a praying mother, but it’s also a call to all of us—mothers, fathers, sons, daughters—to be people of prayer. Whether you’re facing an impossible situation, a burden, or a heartache, give it to God. Pray with all your heart, pray specifically, and don’t give up. Make time daily to get alone with God, free from distractions, and pour out your soul to Him. As Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.”
For our mothers, know that your prayers are powerful. The way you love and pray for your children is a reflection of God’s love. Keep praying, even when it’s hard, because there’s power in a praying mother. And for all of us, let’s be a people of prayer. Let’s pray for our needs, for the salvation of others, for baptisms, and for the advancement of God’s kingdom. As Jeremiah 33:3 promises, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Let’s commit to being a praying people, trusting that nothing is impossible with God. And when He answers, let’s give Him all the praise.
Father, thank You for Your Word and the example of Hannah. Move in our hearts today. If anyone needs to give something to You, let them respond now. Whether it’s for salvation, a burden, or a need for prayer, may Your Holy Spirit move in this place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
