Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in Thy salvation. 1 Samuel 2:1.
“So Hannah rose up ... and she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life.” 1 Samuel 1:9, 11.
Hannah’s prayer was granted; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel—“asked of God.” As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a mother’s heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers, and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely. He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own.
Once more Hannah journeyed with her husband to Shiloh, and presented to the priest, in the name of God, her precious gift, saying, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth, he shall be lent to the Lord.” ...
The mother’s heart was filled with joy and praise, and she longed to pour forth her gratitude to God. The Spirit of inspiration came upon her; “and Hannah prayed, and said:—
“My heart rejoiceth in the Lord;
Mine horn is exalted in the Lord.”
—Patriarchs and Prophets, 570, 571.
From Radiant Religion - Page 278
Radiant Religion