Prayers of Hannah and Mary (1 Samuel 2 and Luke 1), Kacie Liechty, June 16, 2021

By God’s grace, the prayers of Hannah and Mary are recorded for us in the Bible. These are women who loved God and were familiar with disappointment and uncertainty. 

As you reflect on the prayers of Hannah and Mary, consider the following:

• When you are suffering or struggling, God hears you and invites you to pour out your soul before him (2 Samuel 1:15, Psalm 62:8). Rest in the truth that He understands every cry of your heart. He is working powerfully, even in your loneliest moments.
• Remember that God can (and has!) reversed the most impossible situations. He can make something beautiful from ashes (Isaiah 61:3), grant the kingdom to those who are persecuted (Matthew 5:10), bring down the mighty and exalt the humble (Luke 1:52) and grant the weakest people strength (1 Samuel 2:4, 2 Corinthians 12:9)
• God can write words of worship and praise in our own hearts, even in difficult circumstances—especially in difficult circumstances.