1 Samuel 1

To begin your study of 1 Samuel 1, find a song that teaches the power of praying to Heavenly Father. You could use the search function in the Music section of Gospel Library. Or you could use the Topics index of the hymnbook. Songs such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12) and “Did You Think to Pray” (Hymns, no. 140) are good examples. As you sing or read through the song, think about the following questions:

• What are some of the ways Heavenly Father answers prayers?

• What can I do to make my prayers to Heavenly Father more meaningful?

In the land of Ephraim, a righteous Israelite named Elkanah lived with his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah (plural marriages were not uncommon at this time and were acceptable to the Lord).

Read 1 Samuel 1:1–7. Mark the challenges Hannah was facing. Hannah’s adversary or rival in verse 6 was Peninnah. If you were struggling with personal challenges like Hannah, what might you think or feel?

Read 1 Samuel 1:9–20 and 2:1–2, looking for what Hannah did in response to her challenges. Mark words or phrases in 1 Samuel 1:9–20 that show Hannah’s prayers were humble and meaningful. Also, mark in verses 17–18 that show the comfort the Lord gave Hannah while she was waiting to be blessed with a child. You might also watch the video “Hannah’s Faith” (3:08) and follow along in your scriptures.

3:9

In your notebook, record your thoughts about the following questions:

• How might the story of Hannah help someone believe that Heavenly Father hears their prayers and blesses them?

• What have you previously learned or experienced that has helped you know that Heavenly Father answers prayers?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How might Heavenly Father answer my prayers?

Watch “How I #HearHim: Elder D. Todd Christofferson” (2:25) as you think about how God answers prayers.

2:25

Heavenly Father answers us as we connect to Him through prayer. He answers us in many ways.

Think about the people you have studied in the Old Testament. Find verses that show how a loving Heavenly Father answered their prayers. Examples could include Adam and Eve (see Moses 5:4, 9–12), Abraham and Sarah (see Genesis 15:2–6; 17:19), or Moses (see Exodus 17:1–6). Tag the verses you find as “answers to prayer” or another tag that is helpful to you.

In your notebook, create a list of ways Heavenly Father might answer prayers. When you have finished, answer the following questions:

• How might the story of Hannah help someone understand some of the ways Heavenly Father answers their prayers?

• How have you or someone you know experienced Heavenly Father’s blessings following humble prayer?

Option B

How can I make my prayers more meaningful?

We can take steps to make our prayers more meaningful.

Read Matthew 6:9–13. Look for what can you learn about meaningful prayer from Jesus.

Use scripture study tools such as the Topical Guide, Guide to the Scriptures, and Gospel Library to find a few scripture passages that show examples of meaningful prayers. Examples might include Enos (see Enos 1:2–10), Alma (see Alma 5:45–46), or the brother of Jared (see Ether 3:2–5). Tag the examples you find as “meaningful prayer” or another tag that is helpful to you.

Watch the video “Are You Really There?” (3:46) as you think about what makes your own prayers meaningful.

3:45

In your notebook, make a list of things you can do to make your prayers more meaningful. Then answer the following questions:

• How might the story of Hannah help someone try to make their prayers more humble and meaningful?

• What are some things you have done to make your prayers to Heavenly Father more humble and meaningful?

Consider praying now for help and guidance on how to make your prayers more meaningful.

Lesson Purpose: To help you understand that Heavenly Father will hear your humble prayers and bless you.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• The list you made of ways that Heavenly Father might answer prayers.

• The list you made of things you can do to make your prayers more meaningful.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?