Hannah’s prayer helps us understand that prayer is not always asking (1 Sam. 2:1-10). The biblical author called what she said prayer, but her prayer did not contain any petition, only praise and thanksgiving.   This helps up understand prayer from another angle.

Notice this long prayer:

1 Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart exulteth in Jehovah, my horn is lifted up in Jehovah; my mouth is opened wide over mine enemies; for I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 There is none holy as Jehovah, for there is none beside thee, neither is there any rock like our God.   3 Do not multiply your words of pride, let not vain-glory come out of your mouth; For Jehovah is a ùGod of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.   4 The bow of the mighty is broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.   5 They that were full have hired themselves out for bread; and the hungry are so no more: Even the barren beareth seven, and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.   6 Jehovah killeth, and maketh alive; he bringeth down to Sheol, and bringeth up.   7 Jehovah maketh poor, and maketh rich, he bringeth low, also he lifteth up:   8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust; from the dung-hill he lifteth up the needy, To set him among nobles; and he maketh them inherit a throne of glory; For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah’s, and he hath set the world upon them.   9 He keepeth the feet of his saints, but the wicked are silenced in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.   10 They that strive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces; in the heavens will he thunder upon them. Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth; and he will give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.