What can my prayers do?

1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 7:2-15

The familiar story of Samuel has so much truth for us today. We see in chapter 1 that Hannah was childless and so desired to have a child. Not much has changed in the heart of women. Most women have a desire to have children. Hannah did not give up. She kept bringing her request before the Lord. She was obviously a very faithful follower of the Lord because scripture tells us she and her family went up every year to sacrifice to the Lord. And every year she brought her request to the Lord.

Hannah made a promise to God that if He would give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. All of our children belong to God, but Hannah seemed to understand that better than I certainly do. She was willing to give the only child she might ever have to the Lord. Her faithfulness amazes me.

God did grant her request and she kept her promise. The Lord then not only gave her more children, but he honored her faithfulness in a way that so touches my heart. God used Samuel, the child Hannah had prayed for without ceasing, to bring his children back to Him. Maybe we all have dreams and aspirations for our children's lives, but God did something through Hannah that I doubt she ever imagined.

The people of Israel were living far from God. God used Samuel to lead them back. He could have used anyone, but He chose to use Samuel. It all started with the faithful prayer of a mother. What will our prayers lead to? Do they make a difference? Let us never cease in praying for our children - biological and spiritual. We can't even imagine what God can do in their lives.