One of my favorite ways to pray is by using Scripture. The Bible doesn't just teach us about prayers; it also gives us lots of examples of prayers. This month’s focus comes from Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Hannah’s words came from a place of deep pain due to a long season of waiting. When her prayer was answered in the way she had hoped, her response was not just gratitude; it was exuberant worship. Her prayer reflects God’s faithfulness and perfect timing, and it resonates with me during my own seasons of waiting.

My Own Long Season of Waiting

I remember feeling that same sense of longing and weariness a handful of years ago in my work. Burnout was starting to creep in after more than a decade of serving as a chaplain for troubled kids, most of whom were wards of the state. The majority of the kids had gut-wrenching stories of abuse and neglect, had been bounced around through foster homes, and carried deep pain, loss, and trauma. It was one of the most meaningful ministry settings I had worked in but also one of the hardest.

Although I could still see God moving in the work, something inside me started to shift. I was getting tired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After 10 years of pastoring these kids, I was daily overwhelmed with heartbreak caused by seeing the pain they carried. I couldn't stop the trauma they were recovering from, and I could see I was getting angrier about how helpless I felt. This was hard to admit. I poured myself into my role for so long that I didn't realize how empty I was starting to feel. So I started looking for a new job. I prayed constantly, asking God to lead me and open the right doors. I updated my resume and started applying. And applying. And applying. But it always seemed to end with the same reply: “We went with someone else.”

The waiting was disorienting. Every time I heard “No,” it felt like another loss. One year of job searching turned into two… and then three. I was exhausted not just from the burnout but also from the repeated disappointment. God listens to and answers prayers. But trusting in that long season of silence was so difficult.

Unexpected Answer

Eventually, an unexpected job opened up. I was invited to serve in a chaplaincy role through ReFrame Ministries' Prayer Ministry. Online ministry was nothing like what I had done before, yet it was a beautiful place to serve. Through this role, I have been able to connect with thousands of people who share their deepest joys and heartaches through prayer requests.

Looking back, I can see how those years of working with kids in crisis were the best preparation I could have had. That experience taught me how to sit with people in pain, listen without judgment, and know how vital it is to offer trustworthy resources and referrals to those dealing with trauma. The work I did before ReFrame shaped me in ways I didn't expect; it taught me how to respond with deep compassion, even through a screen. What a surprise! What a gift!

If you’re in a “still waiting” season, if you’ve been hearing “no” or maybe nothing at all, know this: God hears you. He sees your tears. He hears the prayers you’re too tired to say out loud. And when the answer finally comes, it might look different than what you expected, but it will always come from his love.

When I read Hannah’s prayer from 1 Samuel 2, I saw my own heart in her words. Here, prayer wasn't just about finally receiving a child after years of infertility; it was about who God is. Hannah trusted God before her answer even came. Her song is about deep gratitude and strong faith, a reminder that God sees what we cannot, moves in ways we don't expect, and turns sorrow into joy in his perfect time.

Hannah’s Prayer

Using Hannah's prayer found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 inspired me to write a prayer. Feel free to use this prayer or create your own.

A Prayer for Times Of Waiting: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

My heart rejoices in the Lord… I delight in your deliverance. Lord, my heart rejoices in you, and you lift my head when I am weary. You become my strength when I feel heartbroken and humiliated. I praise in my renewed strength and dignity. You are my victor, and I will trust in you.

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. You never change when I feel insecure. You are not surprised when I feel confused. You are steady when I am shaken. You are my rock: unshakable, faithful, and true.

Do not keep talking so proudly…for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. You are the God who knows. You see past appearances and words, and you see into my heart. Nothing is hidden from you—not my fears, doubts, or even my pride that I try to disguise as strength. Forgive me when I doubt your goodness. Thank you for showing me how to stay grounded in your truth.

The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. You give strength to those who stumble and lift up those who feel weak and overlooked. When I have nothing to give, surprise me with new strength. You are the God who fills empty hands and strengthens exhausted hearts.

…Those who were hungry are hungry no more…. She who was barren has borne seven children. The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. You fill what is empty and bring to life where there was nothing. I've seen you open doors, never expected, so the ones you close are not rejection but mercy. Give me the strength to walk in faith.

The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. Lord, I felt forgotten in the waiting, and I questioned my value. But you met me in the dust of my discouragement and gently lifted me up. You gave me what I don't deserve and lifted me to a place of purpose. Remind me that my value is not in what I do but in who I am in you.

For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful servants… Your power and wisdom hold all of creation steady, yet you still know me and care for me. You carry me when I feel weak, protect my heart, and strengthen my faith. Remind me that the One who set the world in its place is also walking with me in this season of waiting.

It is not by strength that one prevails… He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed. Every step, every moment of grace has come by your hand. You are the true King, who rules with justice, mercy, and love that never ends. You have never failed, and you never will. Strengthen me for the work ahead, and may all that I do and say, the places I go, and the conversations I have celebrate your good and gracious name. Amen.

The Long Season of Waiting

If you are in a long, heavy season of waiting, know that even in those lonely spaces, God is with you. He is shaping your heart, strengthening your faith, and preparing a path you may not yet see. May you have the courage of Hannah to keep trusting and praying.

For more resources on waiting, check out Groundwork's blog, Waiting is the Hardest Part, and audio Bible study series on Habakkuk.

To join us in lifting others up through prayer, click here to become a member of ReFrame’s Prayer Team.