Praying to the God Who Hears Us by Katy MorganSample

Today’s story is about a woman called Hannah who wanted something very, very much. A man called Eli saw her pray to God about it.

Before you read, think about a time when you have really wanted something. Ask God to help you learn what to do when you really want something.

1. Read 1 Samuel 1:10-17. What did Hannah ask God for?

2. How did she feel about it? (Read verses 10, 15 and 16 again to help you.)

3. What do you think Hannah thought about God? Did she fear him, trust him, love him? What details in the passage gave you your answer?

Hannah wanted a son so badly it was all she could think about. She knew God was kind—perhaps if she asked him, he would give her what she longed for? Hannah cried and prayed and prayed and cried. She was so upset, Eli thought she was drunk! But when he found out what Hannah was really feeling, he knew she was doing the right thing.

We can always ask God when we want things really badly. It’s always safe to ask him for things and to pour out our souls to him like Hannah did. He’s always listening and he always loves us.

4. Why is God the right person to ask when we really want something or we really need help?

5. God doesn’t always give us everything we ask for. Does that mean we shouldn’t keep asking him for things? Why or why not?

What would you like to ask God for now? It could be for yourself or for somebody else. It could be something for right now or something for the future.

Ask God for those things now. Write down the things you’ve asked for and look back at them in a few weeks’ time to see which of your prayers God has said yes to.