Perseverance in Prayer: Lessons from Hannah's Story

Devotional

Day 1: Persevering Through Trials Like Hannah

Hannah faced deep sorrow and humiliation because of her barrenness, yet she never retaliated against her adversary, Penina. Instead, she persevered in faith, enduring years of provocation and pain, trusting that God would one day answer her prayers. Her story reminds us that perseverance means finishing what we started, pushing forward despite setbacks, and continuing to put in effort even when the journey is hard. No matter how overwhelming the situation, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. [20:14]

1 Samuel 1:1-20 (ESV)
There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel like giving up? How can you choose to persevere in faith and trust God’s timing today, just as Hannah did?

Day 2: Suffering Produces Perseverance and Hope

Even in the midst of suffering, God is working to build perseverance, character, and hope within us. The pain and trials we endure are not wasted; they are shaping us for a greater purpose and preparing us for the blessings God has in store. When we glory in our sufferings, we are reminded that God never sleeps, never changes, and is always able to do much more than we can imagine. Our perseverance activates courageous expectation, and God will send help in His perfect timing. [23:10]

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you are facing. How can you allow God to use this suffering to build perseverance and hope in your heart today?

Day 3: The Power of Persistent and Consistent Prayer

Persistent and consistent prayer is a key to breakthrough. Like Hannah and the persistent widow, we are called to pray continually, not giving up even when the answer seems delayed. Consistency in prayer means investing time, being steadfast, and not letting distractions or discouragement stop us from seeking God. When we pray without ceasing, we open the door for God to move in our lives, and we demonstrate our trust in His faithfulness. [34:26]

Luke 18:1-6 (ESV)
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.”

Reflection: What is one specific situation you have stopped praying about? Will you commit to bring it before God persistently and consistently this week?

Day 4: Praying Specifically and Intimately

God desires that we pray specifically and intimately, telling Him exactly what is on our hearts. Just as Hannah asked for a man child, we are encouraged to bring our precise needs and desires before God, trusting that He hears and cares for every detail. Praying specifically helps us clarify our needs, deepens our dependence on God, and builds intimacy in our relationship with Him. Don’t hold back—pour out your heart to God and trust Him to answer in His perfect way. [48:23]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one specific request you need to bring to God today? Take time to pray about it in detail, trusting Him with every aspect.

Day 5: Patience and Trust in God’s Timing

Patience is the ability to wait or endure without getting fed up, even when there is no visible change. Hannah exercised courageous and faithful patience, waiting year after year for God to answer her prayer. In the end, God opened her womb and gave her Samuel, showing that His timing is always perfect. Trusting God means waiting on Him, believing that He is able to do what seems impossible, and knowing that He gives double portions even when we feel unworthy. [54:50]

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Reflection: Where do you need to exercise patience and trust in God’s timing? How can you remind yourself today that God’s delays are not His denials?

Sermon Summary

Today, we reflect on the life of Hannah, a woman whose story in 1 Samuel 1:1-20 teaches us about grace, perseverance, and the power of persistent prayer. Hannah lived in a culture where a woman's worth was often measured by her ability to bear children, and her barrenness brought her deep sorrow and public shame. Despite being constantly provoked and taunted by Penina, her husband’s other wife, Hannah never retaliated. Instead, she carried herself with quiet dignity and grace, embodying the very meaning of her name.

Hannah’s pain was real and ongoing, yet she did not allow bitterness or despair to define her. She knew exactly what she wanted from God—a son—and she brought her request before Him with specificity and unwavering faith. Year after year, she went to the house of the Lord, pouring out her soul in prayer, even when it seemed like nothing was changing. Her persistence was not just in asking, but in her relationship with God—she prayed continually, even in her brokenness.

This kind of prayer is not casual or routine; it is travailing prayer, the kind that comes from the depths of our spirit when we are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. Hannah’s story reminds us that there are seasons when we must go deeper in prayer, investing time and energy, refusing to give up even when the answer seems delayed. Her example is echoed in the parable of the persistent widow, who received justice because she would not stop asking.

Hannah’s faith was not only persistent but also patient. She waited on God, trusting that He would answer in His time. And when God did answer, He gave her more than she asked for—a son who would become a mighty man of God. Even before her prayer was answered, God showed her favor, giving her a double portion of love and blessing.

As we consider our own lives, we are challenged to pray specifically, persistently, and with patience. We are called to invest in our relationship with God, to set aside distractions, and to trust that He hears and answers our prayers. Even when we feel unworthy, God is able to give us a double portion of His grace.

Key Takeaways

1. Grace Under Pressure: Hannah’s response to provocation and humiliation was not retaliation, but quiet grace. She did not allow the cruelty of others to shape her character or her faith. Instead, she modeled how to endure suffering with dignity, trusting that God’s favor is not dependent on our circumstances or the opinions of others. [15:39]
2. The Power of Persistent Prayer: Hannah’s story teaches that breakthrough often comes through persistent, continual prayer. She did not give up after a few attempts, but kept returning to God, pouring out her soul year after year. This kind of perseverance in prayer shapes our character and deepens our intimacy with God, even before the answer comes. [28:52]
3. Travailing in Prayer During Crisis: There are moments in life when ordinary prayers are not enough, and we are called to travail in prayer—praying with all our physical, mental, and spiritual energy. In overwhelming situations, this deep, intense prayer is both an act of faith and surrender, inviting God to move in ways beyond our understanding. [39:46]
4. Praying with Specificity and Intimacy: Hannah did not pray vague prayers; she asked God specifically for a son. Praying with specificity clarifies our desires, increases our dependence on God, and fosters a deeper intimacy with Him. When we are honest and precise in our prayers, we invite God into the details of our lives and build a relationship marked by trust and openness. [46:42]
5. Patience and Trust in God’s Timing: Hannah’s journey was marked by patient waiting, even when there was no visible change. True faith is not just about asking, but about trusting God’s timing and remaining steadfast when answers are delayed. Patience in prayer is an act of courageous faith, believing that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His perfect time. [53:41]
** [53:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer
[02:30] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
[04:00] - Reading 1 Samuel 1:1-20
[11:11] - Hannah’s Sorrow and Prayer
[13:34] - Who is Hannah?
[14:14] - The Meaning of Hannah’s Name
[15:39] - Penina’s Provocation and Hannah’s Response
[16:54] - Cultural Context of Barrenness
[20:14] - The Double Portion and Family Dynamics
[28:52] - Perseverance and Persistent Prayer
[31:28] - The Persistent Widow Parable
[34:26] - The Call to Pray Without Ceasing
[39:46] - Personal Testimony: Travailing in Prayer
[46:42] - Praying Specifically and Intimately
[53:41] - The Reward of Patience and God’s Double Portion
[58:49] - Final Encouragement and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the main sources of Hannah’s sorrow and pain, according to 1 Samuel 1:1-20?
How did Hannah respond to Penina’s constant provocation and taunting? [[15:39]]
What was unique about the way Hannah prayed for a child? [[46:42]]
According to the passage, how did God show favor to Hannah even before her prayer was answered? [[20:14]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Hannah chose not to retaliate against Penina, but instead carried herself with quiet dignity and grace? [[15:39]]
The sermon describes Hannah’s prayer as “travailing prayer.” What does it mean to travail in prayer, and why might God call us to pray this way during times of crisis? [[39:46]]
How does praying specifically, as Hannah did, change our relationship with God and our understanding of our own needs? [[46:42]]
What does Hannah’s story teach us about trusting God’s timing, especially when answers to prayer are delayed? [[53:41]]

Application Questions

The sermon talks about “grace under pressure.” Think of a time when someone provoked or insulted you. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently if you followed Hannah’s example? [[15:39]]
Are there situations in your life right now where you feel tempted to give up praying because nothing seems to be changing? What would it look like to persist in prayer as Hannah did? [[28:52]]
The idea of “travailing in prayer” means praying with all your energy when life feels overwhelming. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to go deeper in prayer? What would that look like for you this week? [[39:46]]
Hannah prayed with specificity—she asked God for a son, not just a child. Is there something you need to bring to God in prayer with more clarity and honesty? What is stopping you from being specific with God? [[46:42]]
The sermon challenges us to set aside distractions and invest in our relationship with God. What is one practical step you can take this week to spend more focused time in prayer, even if it means giving up something else? [[45:20]]
Hannah waited patiently for God’s answer, even when there was no visible change. How do you handle waiting on God? Is there an area where you need to grow in patience and trust? [[53:41]]
The sermon mentions that God gave Hannah a “double portion” of love and blessing, even when she felt unworthy. Do you struggle to believe that God wants to bless you, even when you feel undeserving? How can you remind yourself of God’s grace this week? [[20:14]]

Sermon Clips

Hannah never retaliated. She didn't fight. She didn't fight. She didn't quarrel. She just licked her wounds, just as how her name depicts who she is, woman of grace. Today, I am asking you, woman, and myself, what do we want God to do for us as women, as mothers, even as men. Some men in this society have to take, or has taken on the role of a mother, because for some reason, the mother is not in the picture. She may have passed on or she would have gone. What do we want God to do for us? Hannah knew exactly what she wanted God to do. [00:18:11]

It has been days and nights and months and even years, and you have been praying and waiting on God to do something. And you may have reached the point where you feel like you can't go on and you've reached the point where you're standing on the edge of a cliff, and just the little breeze might just tip you over. Today, like Hannah, Hannah trusts in God. She continues to pray and pray and pray this morning, woman of God. God, what is troubling you, what is causing the threat, what is causing the tears? [00:19:01]

You see, we have some peniners in our midst. We have peniners in our workplaces. We would have some peniners in the job. Some peniners on the street. Wherever we have the peniners who are wicked, we have the peniners who are vile and troubling us. And all we want to do sometimes is let's...peaceful because all of us have the desire to meet our jesus someday amen but but nina continue to provoke hannah and you know one of the things i recognized while i was reading the scripture i was going all over over it again hannah penina wasn't silly and i called penina my girl pina even though she was the one with the children you know woman as i just got feeling she was the one with with the children yet she knew how elkanah felt about hannah early already said he gave her a double portion because he loved her the bible did not say i he loved pina but it emphasizes he gave her extra he gave her extra because he loved her so i would like to take this as but neither being frustrated the fact that yes i have the children but just knowing hey elkanah seemed to to love hannah a little more [00:20:14]

as i reflect on the scripture god is able to do exceedingly abundant above all today you know what i love about hannah about hannah despite the persecution despite the taunting hannah never gave up the tears in her heart would have been broken she would have cried and i know it would have had times when she began to cry and tears would have been flowing her spirit would have been crying oh god oh god how long would you look on at your daughter how long would you see me crying and in tears why this woman persecute me how long would you look on but what i love about hannah despite all of it she persevere today persevere today persevere means finish finishing what you started and pushing forward despite the setbacks despite the complication continuing to put effort and practice enduring discomfort even in your trials and your adversary hannah push forward she never gave up knowing that one day that god will come true for us [00:22:35]

romans 5 3 to 5not only so but we also glory in our sufferingbecause we know that the suffering produces perseverance and we know that perseverance character character hope and hope in the god that we serve the god that we know answers pray the god that never changes the god that never sleeps he is able to do much more amen so there's a record for us even in our suffering hey even in our suffering we can glorify in the greatness and the grace of god you see suffering also work for us at the moment we feel like we bombarded and we overwhelmed but the bible declares there is a great reward in heaven that will make up every loss of experience and so many times pastor would pray you know for god bless us whatever was stolen and whatever was lost that god will replenish it [00:24:30]

perseverance also activates courageous expectation it is when we engage in the idea of faith that god will send somebody he may send one of us some destiny helper and he himself will show up also when we engage in perseverance it's tough when sometimes thing is going on and you feel like it's not going to break and there is no hope in changes god disable sometimes we will come out of this god will make a way where there is no way god makes the impossible possible look what he did to this red sea did he not open it up god didn't have to do that but he shows in all his wonder and splendor i am god in the nick of time when you feel that it wouldn't change it was change woman of god persevere just as hannah persevere [00:26:05]

hannah today didn't just persevere hannah was persistent in her prayer life she never stopped despite when my girl penina was giving her a run for her money she did not stop they went to shiloh year after year after year some of us after one week two weeks we ready to throw in the towel but she went time and time the bible didn't say how long it was but she went time after time and she was persistent you see persistent means the quality that allow someone to continue doing something trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by others in the state of occurring or existing before the usual expected or the normal time it is continuous it is what it is [00:27:37]

she was continuous in prayer. Every time she bought a child, she was continuous. I can imagine when she making bread and doing her laundry because they used to share responsibilities in those days. Share stuff. And she would be doing her stuff. And I can imagine she is constantly praying. At least I know when things troubling me. chasing me. Or chasing me. Even the wordpressure will feel my mouth moving because I want God to do something about the situation to change the circumstances. Amen? [00:29:52]

just as the widow and just as Hannah was consistent in prayer, let us as women be steadfast, resolving, exhibiting consistency in mind. And be consistent in prayer. We give up too quickly. We give up too quickly. In Romans 12, 12, say rejoice in hope. He also said be patient in tribulation. Be constant in prayer. Be what? Be constant in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5, 17, the Bible declares, pray continually. Pray without ceasing. In Colossians 4 and 2, I hope I paraphrase it. I have it in my mind. It's not. Continually steadfast in prayer. Be watchful and with thanksgiving. [00:34:04]

when we begin to pray continually, the Bible declares in Matthew 21 and 22. And whatsoever we ask and pray, we shall receive. We must remember to pray constantly. When the Bible says pray without ceasing, he meant pray continually. Hannah prays continually. Women of God, we have to invest time in prayer. We have to invest time in the word of God. Amen? We got to pray. We must be continually in prayer. But then there are situations and circumstances when we need to go a little deeper. The pain is overwhelming. The report is bad. That is the time when we need to get on our knees, when we begin to travel in prayer. [00:35:15]

travelling in prayer is praying with great physical, mental, and spiritual energy. You're using everything that you have that is known as an intense prayer. Travelling in prayer is used when someone is facing an overwhelming situation. Your son in jail, your daughter in jail, home in a wreck, even though sometimes you may not have a roof over your head. you may not have a dollar for the rent sometimes we have to get deep as women we have to travel in prayer [00:36:27]

I had the assurance in the God that I serve will make the impossible possible I never gave up I am stationed by different bus stops on the different routes when I travel to work and I will kneel by that bus stop pray consistently continually Hannah pray consistently and continually women of God pray continually and pray consistently and we go a little faster and skip some of this we got to pray without ceasing and as we reflect on the king the king gave the widow what she needed we need to set aside time [00:42:56]

everything becomes slip shot now everything double standard we not only Christians of old I just say I come from old fashioned old background Christian where we still pray and fast one day a week tired or not everyone got to do it for us we got to take the initiative we need to take the rest of that social media it coaxes in too much trouble we spend time and I was talking to a good Christian girl and she said no girl first thing I take in the morning I just open my phone why why the first thing you open in the morning is you turn on the side table you pull your phone to Facebook or to Instagram why is Facebook our God Instagram and TikTok our God when I wake up in the morning I have a spare prayer room I use it as as my as my I put my altar not a physical altar but I call it my prayer room and it starts at 6am and at half nights I will come home one o 'clock in the morning most nights most times I see two and a half hours most times I see most times I seeAnd I'm not young, I'm a old woman.So if I could sleep two and a half hours and get up, whatever hour, to still find time. Because mind you, I am by the study at 6 .30 with women from Trinidad.If I could do it, and I am older, much better for you younger ones, child of God, give social media rest. First thing in the morning, open your Bible. [00:43:55]

Hannah prayed continually. She persevered. Hannah know that the God that she served will one day answer her prayer. Pray continually. Traveil and pray. But I want to tell you one more thing and we will go. One more. Hannah prayed specific. Hannah didn't just want a child. You know, sometimes you really want to get pregnant and you say, I don't mind whether boy, whether girl, whether twins, whether triplets. But Hannah knew exactly what she wanted. And she prayed specifically for a man child. [00:46:03]

Praying specific needs help us to define what we have so we don't pray amiss. Amen. Praying specific needs. Praying specific need, emphasizes our dependence and our intimacy with God. Praying specific needs, we have to find time and have the intimate, intimate moments within. You see, when we have a relationship with God, we too can in true have an intimacy with Him. We can tell Him how we feel despite the pain. [00:48:36]

when we come to our god the sovereign and almighty god we don't tell him peaceJesus on the made like tell him what you want tell him what you want tell him what you want Jesus on the made like tell him what you want tell him what you want specifically Jesus i want a childi need these days i tell him i need a different job I am too old for the one that I am doing plus the competition stiff be specific when we look at the situation you see everyday when we come to Canada the laws was one way now the laws tighten up but just as God made a way for me I know he will make a way for you some of you who are sick some of you who don't have a roof over the head some of you might be shelters some of you might be living by a friend and you don't know where your next meal come in meal down or sit down wherever you are and pray specifically telling God what you want him to do for you he is our father if the earthly father knows how to give good bread how much more heavenly father knows he wouldn't give a stone pray intimacy when God is available to you and it is available to me it is accessible anytime God wants us to enjoy intimacy with him [00:49:44]

praying specific means makes us wait also in great anticipation for God to answer Hannah waited and she waited time and time and years and years she was going to Shiloh [00:52:30]

Hannah didn't just pray, but she had patience. Patience is in the ability to wait something out or to endure something tedious without getting fed up. Hannah, exercise patience. It's hard. It's hard when you're going every day and there is no change. And you see no way out. And you're feeling like they might just come and get you and send you back. God is able. He is your God and he's my God. Wait upon him. Be patient, woman of God. Trust in him. Trust in him. Her patience was courageous and faithful. [00:54:07]

even when the doctors gave up on him, God didn't give up. And we continue to persevere. We were persistent, continuous prayer, traveling in prayer. Let us continue to pray. [00:53:41]

God opened the womb. God opened the womb. He opened the eyes of my husband. And I asked for a few more time and God gave it. And he said, I asked for a few more time. But the last of it, I beg him to take all that, do not resuscitate. And he said, mm -mm -mm. So last, when he came up. they reach on time to resuscitate him and as theysay we can't do nothing look it up on the wall to not resuscitate but I say this to say that even when I ask God for a little more time God gave me months give me enough time so that he could put things in place I bless God today that he gave him a little more time you see it's the way God has do things these doctors don't miss they pull up your file they would have seen that do not resuscitate but God I believe God blinded the eyes because he wanted to give him a little more time give us a little more time [00:55:33]

even when we're not worthy God gives double portion she didn't know what it is to be pregnant she didn't go through what Penina went through but yet God give her a double portiona woman of God even if we don't deserve it double portion I declare it and I decree it in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost over all of us womenwe ain't deserve it but he give it anyway that is the God we serve our Father my Father the Supreme God stand with me the rest could remain [00:57:49]

be persistent woman of God don't let the enemy take your children from your handdon't let the enemy snatch your childrendon't let the enemy come and cause havoc in your home we have a king we have spine women have spine we have beliefand we serve a God who is almighty we serve a God who is all powerful we serve a God that answers prayer [00:59:05]

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