“For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him.
1 Samuel 1:27-28 NRSV
A few weeks ago, I was blessed to celebrate our growing family through the wonder that is modern technology. Because gathering in person is not considered safe, my mother and friends hosted a virtual baby shower on Zoom.
It worked quite well! Though I had been looking forward to all the dainty hors d’oeuvres, which tend to be found at traditional showers, it was beautiful to see so many smiling faces from all over the country.
I was most blessed by the prayers and well wishes offered by each person who called in.
Towards the end of the weekend, I received a last-minute gift that didn’t make it to the actual party. It is a hand-lettered Bible verse preserved in a simple frame. The passage is from 1 Samuel, and the speaker is a woman named Hannah, mother to the prophet Samuel.
Many women in the Old Testament struggled to conceive children, as many still do today. But what was unique in Hannah’s situation is the kind of fervent prayer she offers to God in petitioning for her child.
Hannah’s is the first instance in scripture in which someone prays silently. It was such an unusual phenomenon at the time that the priest nearby thinks she is out of her mind drunk.
Hannah understands, in a way no one before she had understood, that God is big enough to hear unspoken prayers. She is so earnest and anxious in her petition that the sound of her voice fails, and she simply pours out her soul to God.
It is her concern for her child that drives her. And though my unborn child has been prayed for, I look forward to all the ways that he will be prayed for throughout his life.
Prayers for children, either with a child born or unborn, grown or half-grown, adopted or even not yet convinced, seem to be characterized by the same earnestness and anxiousness found in Hannah’s prayer. A parent’s heart cares so deeply.
God, our Father, cares so deeply. Though we might not always audibly hear his voice, his desire is for us and our wellbeing, like any good parent.
Hannah thanked God for answering her prayer. And today, I thank Hannah for showing me how to pray.
Kena Hawkins Newkirk 
You will be a wonderful mom, as you have been a wonderful youth pastor . So glad you were able to enjoy your family and find comfort in The Word as you always do. Stay safe and stay connected.
So sweet! I do know this child has been prayed for by so many! What amazing parents he has been blessed with to begin his wonderful life. We are very thankful! Praise be to God!