HANNAH

Upon considering women in history, it quickly becomes apparent that a uniquely female account of it was not preserved in writing. This is precisely because history is just that; the story of man, the story of patriarchy. Since our culture values the written word over the oral tradition when passing down knowledge, the accounts of the past that were preserved are from those who were taught to read and write. Hence our culture has preserved the past from a patriarchal (male) point of view.

One such historical document available today is the Bible, specifically the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible. While this may not seem a likely place to look for the story of women's past, there are in fact many tales of women that the Hebrew Tradition chose to preserve. In this connection there are many victorious women in the bible who victory over enemies. Some very ordinary women shined for the lord, some not only victorious women but some are courageous women too. Among all these categories of women mentioned here and there in the bible among all of them outstanding women is Hannah.
If ever anyone has to speak or preach on topic prayer they have to mention hannah
1 Samuel 2:1 - 2:10
The Bible tells many tales of instruction; it teaches of morality, heroism, and tragedy. Hannah, of the Old Testament, fits into all of these labels. Hannah is known mainly from her son Samuel. As in other biblical tales, Hannah is barren in the beginning of the story. Her story stunned up in two chapters bearing her son’s name.” Samuel”.

Hannah means ‘GRACIOUS’ or “favor”. She was the wife of Elkanah, who was from a priestly family although he was a godly man; he followed the custom of polygamy. In those days every man did what was right in his eyes. Elkanah had two wives. She was one of the two wives of Elkanah. The other woman is Peninah Hannah had no child and Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah used this fact to irritate her. This went on year after year causing much grief to Hannah, Elkanah went year after year to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the lord almighty. Then Elkanah gave portions of the meat to his family members and he gave double portions to Hannah, as he loved her more. Peninnah was jealous of this love, so she would taunt Hannah about the Lord closing her womb. Peninnah provoked and irritated Hannah for not having Children, year after year at Shiloh, till she wept and would not eat. Then Elkanah comforted her saying that he is better than ten sons,

As the years past by, Hannah’s agony became more heavy to bear. She longed for a son. Although the lord shut her womb, her hear t was opened to him. Childless, but she was not prayer less. Once when they had finished offering sacrifices at Shiloh, Hannah stood up in the temple…she surrendered herself to the lord’s confidence. Her faith was that only God could make a woman a mother. She believed that God is the creator of children Hannah was a woman of prayer. She had what many of us would call “a raw deal in life". She did not settle for it. She went after God. She poured her heart out to Him and He filled her and met her desire.

Dear woman of God. Do you have a desire that God seems to have denied you. Pour out your heart to the Lord. We may not understand all that we go through, but one thing is sure. Those that put their trust in God are never put to shame. Notice that the condition of Hannah changed after her encounter with God. She started to live a normal life again (1 Samuel 1:18). Something changed in Hannah's heart before the child came. She believed God before she saw the result. God always hears the prayer that comes from the depth of the heart of a righteous person. (James 5:16). Remember that Christ has made us righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30) and hence we too can come boldly to his presence to receive our requests from Him (Hebrews 4: 14-16) God used Hannah to show us that this is possible. If anyone cherished her child Hannah did. Yet even she knew that children are a gift from God. We are given the privilege to care, guide and train them and later release them into life. Prayer is a self discipline Christian character grows in the secret place of prayer.

We have many examples throughout the Bible and in history, how God answered prayers and did mighty works. The bible is full of promise. Prayers and did mighty works .prayer is speaking with God. Hannah poured out her heart before God and found refuge in him(Psalms62) she found power, peace and comfort in prayer she had a unique sense of the lord’s presence. She didn’t have to cry aloud….. The lord is nigh unto them, that are a broken heart; and save such as be of a contrite spirit (Ps 34:18)

3 Silence - silent prayer can be powerful prayer Hannah's distress led her not to despair but to action. Never allow distressing circumstances to drive you to despair but rather to the Throne of Grace. If Hannah's life teaches us anything, it is how to pray. She gives us a pattern for a powerful prayer life. James teaches that "the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Hannah was the female equivalent of this. She prayed righteously. This is important because we cannot expect God to answer our prayers if our lives are not righteous. Christian are to live lives which are characterised by righteousness -not self righteousness, but orderly obedient lives directed by the word of God. She prayed effectively and fervently. She felt deeply about what she was praying for. Do we? I have to confess that my prayers often lack this deep feeling and concern. She prayed with tears. Her emotions were affected, not in a sentimental way, but because she was praying for something which meant so much to her. She prayed specifically. She did not waste words. She asked for what was on her heart. In Matthew 6 and verse 7, the Lord Jesus reminds us not to be characterised by vain repetition and many words. It was said of Samuel, Hannah's son, that the Lord "let none of his words fall to the ground" (1 Samuel 3:19).

             Samuel was directed by the Lord before he spoke and when he spoke, he spoke clearly and wisely. Today we live in the age of the "soundbite". Often words are spoken without real meaning or sincerity. We should not speak to God or to each other in that way, but with true hearts. She prayed sacrificially. Someone wisely said, "Pray as though nothing depended on you and work as though everything depended on you". Hannah counted the cost. She knew only God could answer her prayer but she was prepared to sacrifice what would be her greatest joy. If we expect God to answer our prayers, a we should be willing to yield all we have to Him in sacrificial service. She prayed silently.

                    Audible prayer is not necessarily powerful prayer. God looks on our hearts. Many years later, the Lord sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint a king to replace Saul. Jesse was David's father. Jesse lined up his sons. David was absent and looking after his father's sheep. He was not considered important enough to be present. When Samuel saw Jesse's sons, all powerful, attractive men, he thought, "Surely God would choose one of them to be king of Israel" - just as Israel choose Saul, a man head and shoulders above any one else in the land. God spoke to His old servant and reminded him that God does not look on the outward appearance but upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He taught him a lesson in old age which his mother had learned before Samuel was born - a lesson we easily forget. We, too, are tricked into thinking that what is seen and heard is the most important.

                       Hannah spoke in her heart and her voice was not heard. We would be heard more in heaven if we spoke from our hearts, rather than by the eloquence of our voices.In chapter 2 verse 21 we read that Gods blesses Hannah with three sons and two daughters. Hannah, whom we first met as a childless woman, had asked God for one baby son. But God's supply was greater than her expectation and she becomes the mother of many children. Paul wrote from a prison cell to the Philippians, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

                   Our God has not changed! Hannah was an ideal ,other.her godliness,devotion,trust,patience and self sacrifice may be an example to every woman in this century.The most unpleasant circumstances can produce a blessing to the world.alone ,she carried her sorrow and trials to the lord. There are many mothers who have nurtured and trained their children God gave them,to be great workers in his vineyard.

There is no more noble accomplishmnent to which a mother can aspire.May God raise up many mothers like hannah,to raise sons like samuel to serve the living God.