Praying Hannah!

The Old Testament contains many thrilling and wonderful stories!  One of my favorites is the biblical hero, Samuel, and his mother, Hannah. 
In the first chapter of First Samuel, you will find Hannah in bitterness of soul, weeping and praying because she has no child.  In her desperation, she vowed a vow and said:  "O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget Thine handmaid, but wilt give unto Thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life . . . ."

Hannah was in such desperation that she could not utter words.  God's Word says that she spake in her heart; her lips moved, but her voice was not heard.  She was in great sorrow of spirit as she poured out her soul before the Lord! 

The Lord remembered Hannah; she conceived and bare the son we know as Samuel.  Hannah did not forget the vow she had made to the Lord, and as soon as she had weaned him she brought him to the house of the Lord!  She spoke to Eli and said:  "Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.  For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord: as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."

Hannah has been called the "patron saint" of praying mothers.  In half of all the verses about her in I Samuel she is praying, and it was undoubtedly her prayers that produced one of the great heroes of the Bible---her son, Samuel, who was, himself, a direct answer to her prayers!

I believe that God is looking for some "Hannah's" today -- Mothers whose prayers can help to mold and shape their sons to become praying leaders so desperately needed in our nation and churches!
Can He count on you and me?