Read 1 Samuel 1:1-20.

The name Lord of Hosts (Jehovah Sabaoth) is first mentioned in verse 3, then in verse 11, when Hannah desperately cries for help.

1. How does the list of Elkanah’s ancestry underscore Hannah’s plight (v.1)?

2. What response does her not having children evoke in her husband Elkanah (v.5)?

3. What response does her not having children evoke in in Peninnah (v.6)?

4. How do you tend to respond to rivals that bully or provoke you?

5. How do you tend to respond to God when he seems to say no to what you want?

6. Why does Hannah’s sadness disappear so quickly (v.18)?

7. Hannah was no longer downcast after talking to Eli. What lifts your spirit when you are downcast?

8. Are you in the midst of threats, disappointment, or trials now? What lesson can we learn from Hannah’s example?

9. Read 1 Samuel 14:45; Isaiah 45:2,3; Romans 8:31.  What encouragement can you find in these passages?

10. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord. What aspect of your life do you need to dedicate to God?

a. Children                                   e. Possessions

b. Childlessness                         f. Job

c. Spouse                                    g. Future

d. Home                                      h. Other:

WORK

Memorize the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).