Day 11: January 15, 2026

A Habit Of Going To God

Devotional: 

“While she continued praying in the LORD’s presence, Eli watched her lips. Hannah was praying silently, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk.”

Samuel 1:12-13 (HCSB)

Scripture tells the story of Hannah, one of two wives of Elkanah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah did not. And Peninnah continually provoked her, causing deep emotional distress and shame. Hannah carried a burden no one else could fully understand or remedy. Elkanah loved her, but he couldn’t ease her pain.

Hannah prayed to the Lord of Hosts to remember her. She asked for a son and vowed that if God answered her prayer, she would give him back to the Lord. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. Her prayer was silent, raw, and personal. Eli, the priest, misunderstood what he saw and assumed she was intoxicated. But Hannah explained that she was not drunk, but deeply troubled and pouring out her soul to the Lord.

Her story teaches us the power of habitual prayer. She didn’t perform for people. She didn’t look for comfort in distraction or validation from others. She went to God honestly, consistently, and vulnerably. What makes her story so powerful is that she didn’t wait for the miracle to show gratitude. She left her request with God and “her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18). Trusting in the Lord brought her peace. Gratitude is not something we offer only after God answers our prayers.

How often do we try to soothe ourselves before we seek God? Do we complain, manage, distract, suppress, or numb instead of praying? Hannah made it her habit to bring her grief and unmet desires into the presence of God.

Reflect

When I am burdened or discouraged, who or what do I turn to first? How can I practice gratitude even while waiting for an answer?

One Step Forward

If you haven’t already, create a simple daily prayer habit. Set aside a specific time to tell God whatever is weighing on your heart. Pair it with thanksgiving.