Have you ever experienced a tough patch, just to find out later that God's plan for you in was greater than anything you could've ever imagined? Hannah’s story reminds me of that kind of situation.

Most often, our prayers begin and end with personal gratification. Hannah’s prayer was different.

She wept bitterly because she didn't have a child. It’s likely that her inability to conceive was on her mind every day because she (and others too) considered it an affliction.

1 Samuel 1:11 says this, she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

Just as Hannah prayed, her son Samuel was dedicated to the service of God. Samuel grew up and became an important person in the Bible. He was a priest and prophet.

Hanna’s example encourages me to think differently about what I pray and why. Hannah reminds me to look deeper than me, myself, and I. The beauty of God's bountiful blessings impact the world for years to come.

Let’s follow Hannah’s example. When we pray, our prayers should not only impact our lives, but the lives of others.

Her Life My Example: Hannah