Hannah – The Praying Witness

Welcome back, truth-seekers, to another deeply movingepisode of the “Witness Series.” I’m your host, Fr. Veigas Dominic SVD, andtoday, we’re exploring a poignant story from the Old Testament, featuring awoman whose profound anguish led to fervent prayer, demonstrating theincredible power of a surrendered heart.

In this fourth episode of Season 7, we turn ourattention to Hannah, “The Praying Witness.” In a time of personal heartache andsocietal challenges, God used Hannah’s persistent and heartfelt prayers tobring forth an influential leader for Israel, demonstrating that true spiritualstrength often begins on our knees. Her story is a timeless reminder that ourstruggles can become the fertile ground for God’s most significant work when weturn to Him in prayer.

Hannah’s life resonates with us today because we allface moments of deep pain, disappointment, or longing. Her witness reminds usthat even in our most profound anguish, God hears our cries, and Histransformative power is unleashed through sincere, believing prayer.

Today, we’ll unpack Hannah’s life, her powerfulmessage as a praying witness, and how her example can inspire our own prayerlives. Let’s get started.

Who was Hannah?

She was one of two wives to Elkanah, a man who lovedher deeply. But Hannah lived with a persistent and painful burden: she wasunable to have children, while Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had many. Inthat culture, barrenness was not just a personal sorrow, but often a source ofshame and scorn. Peninnah, unfortunately, used Hannah’s vulnerability totorment her year after year, especially during their annual pilgrimage toShiloh to worship the Lord.