Parent Prayers
Hannah had no children … She prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then 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. 1 Samuel 1:2,10-11
Parenting is a large responsibility. It is a calling from God that is to be pursued purposefully and with careful intent. It is not an exercise in vanity and self-fulfillment for the parents, but a responsibility to nurture redeemed souls. God provides insight for the parent-child relationship through prayers that are offered by parents in God’s Word. The devotions this week will consider some of these “Parent Prayers.”
Hannah fervently desired a child. Society’s view toward children was different in those days, so Hannah experienced mockery and ridicule since she was barren. But it was neither mere societal influence nor selfish desire that led Hannah to pray for a son. Hannah’s prayer came from the intense desire to have a child whom she could raise to be a faithful servant of God. Hannah would “give him up” at a young age, if only she would be granted a son to bear and nurture.
Determining “will I or won’t I” be a parent, or the number of children I will have is not a “me” decision. It is a God decision which we commend to His wise, gracious, and good will. As with every other prayer, God promises to answer this parent prayer according to His love; and if He does not give a child, He will provide other ways of service to Him and give other joys.
Once Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord, bringing her burdens and requests, she “went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18).
To Hannah, praying childless
Before Your throne of grace,
You gave a son and called him
To serve before Your face.
Grant us her perseverance;
Lord, teach us how to pray
And trust in Your deliv’rance
When darkness hides our way. Amen.
Lutheran Service Book 855:6