Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel,

for she said, 'I have asked him of the LORD’.’ 1 Samuel 1:20

As a child who loved fairy tales and Disney films, I was always delighted by the meaning of my name. "Sarah" means "laughing princess" and as I’ve grown older, I’ve tried to embody the joyful aspect of my name (though I’ll always secretly love being called a princess!). When my husband Ben and I were expecting our own children, we took great care in choosing their names—thinking deeply about the meaning and what we’d be speaking over their lives.

In today’s reading we hear of a joyful answer to prayer. The bible says that ‘The LORD remembered her’, and in time, Hannah gave birth to Samuel. His name, meaning ‘God had heard’ is an expression of Hannah’s gratitude for God’s response to her painful plea. Have you ever thought about how you recognise and respond when God answers your prayers? Hannah marked her answer to prayer in such a way that every time she said Samuel’s name, she would have been reminded to praise God for his faithfulness.

Not everyone receives the same answer to prayer that Hannah did, and this verse can be difficult, especially for those facing infertility or other unanswered prayers. As we reflect on this passage, we can rejoice that through Jesus, who is named the Great High Priest, we can boldly approach a God who not only hears us but also fully understands our pain. Jesus embraced every aspect of human experience, including suffering (Hebrews 4:14–16) and as our great High Priest we can be assured that even in difficult times, the Lord remembers us.

Wherever we find ourselves —whether praising God for answered prayers or waiting in pain—we can call upon Him, confident that He hears us, understands us, and is able to deliver us.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You that we can boldly approach Your throne through Jesus, our Great High Priest. Lord, we especially want to thank you for the ways that you have answered our prayers (spend some time calling them to mind). I lift to You my greatest hurts and fears. I ask that you hear my plea, look on me with compassion, and answer me. Amen.

Sarah Marston, Making Disciples Coordinator.