In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah, a woman who desperately wanted to carry a child but couldn't. Hannah’s barrenness poured out in fervent prayer for a baby, while her husband’s other wife, her rival Peninnah, year after year bore him both sons and daughters. Her husband Elkanah’s attempt at comfort is recorded in verse 8: “Hannah, why are you crying? ... Am I not better to you than ten sons?” Marriage is the primary relationship in a family, but is this a husband’s appropriate response to his wife’s grief?

Hannah’s prayer was directed to the One she knew was there, who heard her, cared for her, and was able to meet her need. As Hannah pleaded with the Lord, she simultaneously offered Him the dearest request of her heart. If God would give Hannah a son, she would relinquish her son back the Lord in service to Him. Hannah recognized that God alone could bring life where there was none.

Verses 20 and 27 herald God’s gift to Hannah—her baby boy, Samuel. The name Samuel means “name of God” or “one who comes from God.” Hannah’s words in verse 27 proclaim her joyful recognition that the little boy she now held was God’s direct answer to her long-offered prayers.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 records Hannah’s song of thanksgiving for the birth of Samuel. An often repeated theme in Scripture is God’s faithful care for people who are weak and helpless. He responds with power and might to strengthen those who humbly trust in Him.

God magnificently answered Hannah’s prayer for a baby in the gift of her son, Samuel. God always hears and answers our prayers. However, we must also recognize that sometimes God’s answer to our honest, heartfelt prayer is no. In those moments God is still God, and He’s still good. We entrust our hearts and our souls to God, trusting His best will for us. Although we may not receive the answer we request, God always answers our prayers.

Excerpted from Praying at the Crossroads by Dr. Ken Coley. Published by Lifeway Press®. © 2019. Used by permission.

In 1996 Dr. Ken Coley began his teaching career at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. During the last 13 years, he has helped develop and teach classes in church education and administration, youth ministry, and teacher education. His primary assignment has been to train Christian school administrators. Three highlights include the publication of his textbook, The Helmsman: Leading with Courage and Wisdom; the presentation of his faculty lecture, “Pastor, How Should We Educate Our Children?”; and the development of a new Ed.D. program, which he directs.

Praying at the Crossroads, a 12-session Bible study taught by seminary professors and ministry leaders, helps us understand that the ancient prayers of Old Testament saints have much to teach us in our present circumstances, whether at a crossroads or on our daily path. Each week’s study features both group and individual prayer guides so that participants can grow in their ability to pray. Together we will learn to call on God not only at crossroads but also in our daily lives.

Praying at the Crossroads is a 12-session Bible study that examines the prayer of 12 Old Testament saints to find out what we can still learn from their faith through doubt, trial, and pain.

Interested? Download a free sample of the study.