To prepare for this study, please read the Women in Christ Commentary, Hannah and Grace and I Samuel chapters one and two.
 

Part I Hannah's Example

1. I Samuel 1:1-2 Who were the members of Hannah's family?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. I Samuel 1:3-8 Describe what you learn about the character of Elkanah, Peninnah, and Hannah. Describe the location and the event during which the story takes place. Consider the cultural setting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. I Samuel 1:5-7 What do you think motivated Peninnah’s behavior? What part did Elkanah play in provoking it? Why do you think he failed to understand Hannah's emotions?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. I Samuel 1:7-10, 3 What were the reasons for Hannah's grief? How long does the text indicate she had been enduring this situation? Is there any indication she harbored anger and resentment or retaliated in any way?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. I Samuel 1:10-13 Who did Hannah trust with her deep sorrow and longing? Why do you think she was willing to return to God the son she was asking God to give her?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. I Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25, 29 What was the spiritual state of the priests who served in the temple? How did Eli fail to carry out his responsibility as high priest?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. I Samuel 1:13-14 Why do you think Eli was so quick to think the worst of Hannah? Did the sinful conduct of the priests turn Hannah away from trusting God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. I Samuel 1:15-17 What was Hannah's attitude in response to Eli’s unjust accusation?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

9. I Samuel 1:17; 2:20 (Hebrews 7:23-28) What typology do you see between Eli’s blessing and Jesus as our High Priest?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10. I Samuel 1:18 In what way does Hannah's state of mind indicate the state of her faith?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11. I Samuel 1:19-28, 2:19-21 How did God answer Hannah's prayer?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12. I Samuel 2:1-10 How did Hannah respond to God's answer?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part II. Answered prayer depends on our relationship with God.

1. Hebrews 11:6, 11 What is one essential characteristic of a right relationship with God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Matthew 9:27-29; 21:18-22 What did Jesus say we need to receive answers to prayers?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. I John 3:21-24 Name six conditions for answered prayer mentioned in these four verses.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. John 15:16; 14:12-14 What conditions to answered prayer did Jesus mention in this passage? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. John 15:10;  I Peter 3:12 What is a second essential characteristic of a right relationship with God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. I John 1:8-2:1-2; I John 3:19-22 Describe the relationship between repentance, a clear conscience, obedience and righteousness to answered prayer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 66:18 Why does not God hear and answer all prayers? Do you think this makes God unfair? Explain your answer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. Psalm 66:16-20; II Chronicles 7:14; I Kings 8:46-51; Psalm 51; I John 1:8-2:1-2 How can our relationship with God be restored? What is God's solution to our sin? (Note: I John 3:4 What is the Bible definition of sin?)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

9. James 4:6-10; Isaiah 66:2 What is a third essential characteristic of a right relationship with God? With what attitude do we bring our prayers to God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10. John 16:23-24; 17:1-2 By whose authority do we bring our prayers to God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11. Luke 22:42; Mark 14:36; Matthew 26:39, 42 To whom did Jesus submit his will?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12. Matthew 6:9-10 To whose authority do the disciples of Jesus submit their wills?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

13. I John 5:1; Matthew 22:34-40 What is a fourth and the greatest characteristic of a right relationship with God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14. Matthew 7:9-11; Jeremiah 29:11-14; Psalm 103:1-22; John 3:16 What is God's will for you when you pray?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part III Answered prayer depends on our relationships with people.

1. Matthew 5:23-24; I John 3:23; 4:19-21; Matthew 7:12 How important is reconciliation between individuals to our relationship with God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:20-25 What does forgiveness have to do with answered prayer?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. .I Peter 3:7 How important are family relationships to being heard of God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. James 4:4 In what way can unhealthy relationships hinder our prayers?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. James 4:2-3 What wrong motives prevent receiving answers to prayers?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. I Timothy 2:8 Discuss how anger and disputes can break relationships and hinder prayers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part IV Thanks be to God

1. Philippians 4:5-7; Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 95:2 What should accompany our prayers?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Hebrews 7:24-25; 4:14-16 Describe how Jesus enables people to come to God with confidence. In what way is the priesthood of Jesus superior to a human high priest?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Romans 8:26-28 In what other way does God assist those who come to him in prayer?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. I Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 5:1-11 (Optional: read Job 38-42:1-6, 9) Under what conditions should we be thankful?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. Revelation 5:8-12; 8:3-4; Acts 17:24-31; Psalm 104-105:1-5 Consider how great and gracious is the God who receives our prayers. Give him thanks for all his personal, individual, and specific benefits he has given you.