Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we will be diving into the life of Hannah, a woman who experienced God's mercy, the power of prayer, and the blessing of restoration in her life. But before we go any further, let's take a moment to welcome the Lord's presence with us today. Please join me in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy that endures forever. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we study Your Word and learn from Hannah's story. Open our hearts to receive Your truth and empower us to live in the light of Your grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The story of Hannah

The story of Hannah is a testament to the transformative power of prayer and God's ability to turn our mourning into dancing. As Charles Spurgeon once said, "Prayer moves the arm that moves the world." Hannah's experience reminds us that when we come before the Lord with a sincere heart and pour out our burdens, He hears our cries and responds with His loving and compassionate hand.

Let's read the full Scripture passage together, found in 1 Samuel 1:10-20 (NIV):

In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, 'Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.'

As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, 'How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.'

'Not so, my lord,' Hannah replied, 'I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.'

Eli answered, 'Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.'

She said, 'May your servant find favor in your eyes.' Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

Early the next morning, they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I asked the Lord for him.'

God's Mercy in Hannah's Life

Hannah was a woman who faced deep anguish and sorrow but ultimately experienced the Lord's compassion and loving-kindness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO