When I found out I was pregnant with my son 24 years ago, I immediately thought of Hannah as the ultimate biblical expression of motherhood. She was put down due to her inability to conceive a child. The Bible says she was so miserable, she wept and did not eat (1 Sam 1:6-7); however, she did not give up - she prayed. She asked the Lord to remember her, and she promised to give her male child to Him for life if He would let her conceive. Then the Bible says she worshipped before the Lord, and He remembered her. Hannah and her husband conceived a son whom they named Samuel. Hannah kept her promise, and “lent” Samuel to the Lord as long as he lived. Samuel grew and the Lord was with him, and as we know, he was used mightily by God. Hannah was subsequently blessed with three sons and two daughters. Hannah’s prayer (1 Sam 2:1-10) is a mix of worship, praise, and faith in the power of God to make a way out of no way. She acknowledges Him as singularly holy, incomparable, and a rock who uplifts the lowly to glory. Hannah had all the attributes I wanted to have as a mother, and over two decades later, I am still striving to even approach the standard of faith Hannah set. Everyone can find encouragement in Hannah’s story and prayer, not just mothers, but anyone who seeks encouragement and stronger faith in the power of God to change their circumstances - even in the depths of despair - through prayer.