From Pain to Prayer

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Samuel 1:1-8  (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘So it went on year after year; as often as [Hannah] went up to the house of the Lord, [her rival] used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.’ 1 Samuel 1:7

Strange things can happen to us when we’re under pressure. Intensely stressful situations, chronic pain, unresolved issues, or grief can push us toward unhealthy habits, destructive behaviours, or struggles with our physical or mental health. As believers, we are not immune to hard circumstances, nor poor responses to those circumstances, nor the unchosen effects. However, in prayer, we have unrestricted access to the throne of grace for our time of need. Not an escape from our problems but Jesus’ presence and help during them.

As we begin to consider Hannah’s prayer, we reflect on the circumstances that drove her to prayer. Hannah lived in a chaotic time of Israel’s history, when few people followed the Lord. She was married to a good man, Elkanah, who faithfully worshiped the Lord and led his family in making regular sacrifices. He also loved Hannah dearly, even though others may have treated her poorly for being unable to bear children.

The family’s prosperity is hinted at by the fact that Elkanah had two wives, as polygamy was rare for all but the wealthy. Yet this wealth did not bring peace. Hannah and Peninnah were rivals, and home life was filled with tension. Peninnah cruelly taunted Hannah, exacerbating the deep pain of her childlessness. This mockery often occurred when the family went up to worship. At the very point when Hannah should have been enjoying intimacy with God, she was filled with sorrow and would not eat the fellowship meal. Elkanah does what he can to help but his words are clearly inadequate.

This was not a one off. It was a chronic situation. Every time they go to worship. Imagine yourself in Hannah’s position, how might you have responded? Hannah is driven to prayer. Her pain did not turn her away from God but toward Him. As we learn from her this week, let our circumstances prompt us to turn to the throne of grace for help in our time of need.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me in all circumstances to turn to you in Jesus and not away from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(This week, as we reflect on Hannah’s story, if it raises any emotional challenges, we encourage you to seek support. Talk to a church leader, a trusted Christian friend, or a counsellor.)

The Revd Jonny Lee, Rector of All Hallows, Bispham.