This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 1, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Elkanah who had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah didn’t have any children, but Peninnah did. Every year, Elkanah and his family went to a place called Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. While they were there, Elkanah would give food to Peninnah and all her children, but he would give Hannah double the amount because he loved her very much.
Even though Elkanah loved her, Hannah was very sad because she didn’t have any children. Peninnah would tease and upset her every year. Hannah would cry and not eat anything, and her husband would ask her why she was so sad. One year, while they were in Shiloh, Hannah went to the temple to pray to the Lord.
Hannah was so sad that she prayed to the Lord with all her heart. She asked the Lord for a son and promised to give him to the Lord for his whole life. She prayed so hard that her lips were moving, but no sound came out. The priest, Eli, thought she was drunk, but Hannah explained that she was just very sad and praying to the Lord.
Eli prayed for Hannah, and the Lord answered her prayers. Hannah had a baby boy and named him Samuel. Hannah took care of Samuel until he was weaned, and then she brought him to the temple to give him to the Lord. She told Eli that she had prayed for this baby and promised to give him to the Lord for his whole life.
From that day on, Samuel grew up in the temple and served the Lord. Hannah was very happy that her prayers had been answered.
Biblical Lessons
- Even when things seem impossible, we can always pray to the Lord for help.
- We should keep our promises to the Lord, just like Hannah promised to give her son to him.
- The Lord hears our prayers and answers them in his own time.