When we come to the events of 1 Samuel we’re about 300 years after the Israelites first entered the Promised Land with Joshua. We’re dealing here with what were spiritually very dark days for the people of Israel.

We’re introduced to a man called Elkanah (v1) who had two wives (v2) which speaks of the moral state of the nation. One of the wives called Hannah was unable to have children. When Elkanah went with his wives to worship he gave Hannah a double portion as she was his favourite (v3-5).

We see here a very unhappy home with Hannah mourning because she had no children and Penninah sad as she was unloved (v7-8). When we go outside of God’s plan for family life can we expect peace and joy?

Hannah brings her pain to the Lord in prayer (v9-11). We see here her passion and seriousness in this. Sadly the spiritual state of Israel was so low that Eli the priest did not recognise a praying woman (v12-14).

As we think of a very dark nation being turned around, we see here that it began with a woman praying. Realise the amazing potential as you pray.