Prayer is the communication between man and his maker whereas a vow is a solemn promise. There are things that you could be going through that have put sorrow in your life, and grief in your heart. When your loved ones look at you, they wonder, because they feel that you have got this and that. You may look like you are fine – or look like everything is okay. But deep inside your heart, you are filled with sorrow, grief and displeasure with everything that is happening to you. You have prayed day in day out and nothing seems to be happening: Maybe you just need to change your style of praying. Let us take a look at this woman called Hannah in the Bible:
Let us take a look at this woman called Hannah in the Bible: 1st Samuel, chapter 1 expounds on Hannah’s prayer and how she sealed it with a vow. It says;
“Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
9. So Han- nah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was seating on the seat by the doorpost on the tabernacle of the Lord.
10. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.
11. Then she made a vow and said, “Oh Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your maidservant and remember me, and not forget your maidservant, but will give you maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
12. And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth.
Now Hannah spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore, Eli thought she was drunk.
14. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!”
15. But Hannah answered and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit, I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”
17. Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
18. And she said, “Let your maid- servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.