True Prayer
The story of Samuel begins with his mother, Hannah, being barren. It’s interesting to see how many women are mentioned in Scripture as having been barren for many years before having children - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Hannah. They all sought God in prayer, and each of them gave birth to a son who had a unique place in God’s purpose. They did not accept their barrenness. They prayed to God earnestly for children. God granted them their request and each of them had a child through whom God fulfilled a unique purpose. Many mothers pray for their children while they are still in their wombs. But these women prayed with an unusual intensity. It’s wonderful when a child is born into the world through intense prayer like that. That is how Samuel was born. Hannah had prayed to the Lord for many years for a child. Finally she made a vow saying, “Lord, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will g...