Hannah Who Poured Out Her Soul: Women in the Bible Week 3
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Welcome to week 3 in our current series of Women in the Bible: Beautiful and Brave! I’m thrilled to discuss our featured guest today, Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Front and center in my book, The Sensational Scent of Prayer, Hannah is near and dear to my heart. I spent several months studying Hannah and her drive to prayer. She endured oppression and verbal abuse for years. I wonder if she had prayed many times before her initial recorded prayer or if the first words that tumbled silently from her lips are these we read in I Samuel 1:10&11:
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
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, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
While Eli, the priest, believed Hannah must have been drunk due to her nonverbal and obvious distress, Hannah delivers a statement that clues us in on the depth of her dilemma:
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Back in August, I wrote about leaving your burdens at the feet of Jesus and the importance of giving every last shred of our emotions, thoughts, and will to the Lord. Hannah was quite the expert in this field and in just a few chapters, her story of blessing beautifully unfolds. From a whispering wisher to a wonderful warrior, Hannah’s commitment to trust God is truly one to admire.
You see, prayer closes wounds and opens wombs.
It promotes healing and prompts restoration.
Prayer shuts down hostility and opens up hospitality.
How to order The Sensational Scent of Prayer
I wish I could have witnessed the love story unfold between Hannah and Elkanah! Oh to know the secrets to this beautiful pair. Was she simply beautiful? Was it her sweet spirit? Was her voice charming or her hair glamorous? Those are some of the things we just don’t know, but here is a summary of Hannah’s profile:
- Name: Hannah
- Occupation: homemaker
- Family background: Wife of Elkanah, Mother to Samuel
- Daily life: pitiful weeper to prayer warrior
- Emotional baggage: weary, distraught, unfulfilled, victim of bullying
- Weaknesses: difficulty standing up for herself
- Beauty secrets: Pouring out her complaints before God, believing his promises
- Acts of bravery: Changed her attitude before the circumstances changed, gave back to God what he had given to her, and received the promise that his plans are always greater, especially since she prayed for one child, and wound up with a brood of 6!
I can’t wait to meet Hannah one day. I wonder if she might say “Be careful what you pray for!”
Bloggers, I’m thrilled to have your 100% Christian encouragement linkups this Whimsical Wednesday. If you have chosen to participate in the Women in the Bible series and link up your post about Hannah, then I plan to choose and highlight one of your posts here on the blog next week.
The post linked up from last week that I chose to feature is from Victoria at FearlessHeartMinistries.com. Though it is not focused on last week’s Bible character, her beautiful approach to loving someone through depression comes from a healing heart that has suffered. You’ll be encouraged as you read her post!
Rachel
All posts from Women in the Bible: Beautiful and Brave series:
Original Post: Women in the bible: 5 of the most beautiful and brave
Introductory Post: Women in the Bible: Beautiful and Brave series
Week 1: Sarah Who Remembered God’s Promise
Week 2: Deborah Who Declared God’s Truth
Week 3: Hannah Who Poured Out Her Soul
Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links; site may be compensated if purchase is made. See full disclosure policy here.
Download a FREE Study Guide to accompany The Sensational Scent of Prayer!
Rachel,
Wow – There is so much we can learn from Hannah. Sometimes I read her story and just want to know so much more about her. And yet, her story can speak to so many of us who have experienced the same kinds of hurts and wounds. Hannah’s life makes me pause and gives me great hope. I loved what you said about her acts of bravery – especially this one: “Changed her attitude before the circumstances changed.”
How often I fail to remember that. Especially in the dark storms of life. There are times I sit and despair because all Hope seems lost, and yet Christ wants to cultivate my attitude and change my heart, even if nothing else changes. Hard to walk out, but so key in being an overcomer in this world.
Thank you for the continued encouragement and for also sharing my depression post from last week –
Blessings to you ~Victoria
Hi Rachel,
Still waiting to get the information about “linking up” if you don’t mind. Not sure what to do.
I know your probably very busy but I’m trying to figure what it means. If anyone else can help..I would appreciate it.
Thanks
I’m sorry, Sacole. I’m not sure what you mean. If you write a blog post and you want to join the link up, then at the bottom of my post, you click on the information that tells you how to link up. You would copy and paste your blog post link into the field and complete the remaining information. Do you blog?
Hi Rachel,
I’m so sorry friend!! I am dumb as a door knob when it comes to this computer stuff. I write…but unfortunately I do not Blog because i have no clue what to do. No idea how to start and navigate a blog page. I have read articles and stuff about “how to start your own blog” but truly it doesn’t help my novice abilities. I’ve been praying for God to send me some help and I think there’s a woman at my church who is willing 🙂
So tell me “EXACTLY” where is the link part I am to click on??? Is that the YOU ARE NEXT (click here to enter portion of your page..located right beneath the picture boxes?) LOL.
Soon as my Blog is up and running I will link up to yours. Thanks Friend!! I appreciate your courtesy to respond.
Peace & Blessings Saccole
You made me laugh with the comparison “dumb as a door knob.” Our family used to say that all the time growing up. You are not dumb!! You are exactly right about how to link up. Click on the YOU ARE NEXT. Then have your blog “helper” assist you on the rest. Maybe you could write down the step by step when she guides you through it? Best wishes and blessings on your endeavors!
I really love this series, Rachel! Can’t wait for the next installment.
Rachel,
Please advise about how to “link up” posts on Whimsical Wednesdays. I am a Tech dummy!! Lol but I am writer like yourself and I just love to share what God has placed in my heart. Let me know how to link up!!
Also I loved your description of Hannah! Pitiful weeper..TO…PRAYER WARRIOR!!! Yesssss 🙂
Blessings Sac <3
I had never heard of Hannah until I read this post. She sounds awesome & I think we have some things in common. 🙂
I really have enjoyed the articles I find. I just seem to be having a lot of trouble believing any more. I do know that Jesus died for me, but lately I just can’t seem to pray with any hope that He will do anything. I do know that He is working. I can see things working in other’s lives, but my own just seems empty. I have to help others see the bright side, but it is getting so difficult for me to see the bright side in my own life. Others want me to do things their way and right now I just seem to be finding it difficult to make every one happy. I haven’t worried about my being happy for a long time. I wonder if God can give me a happy heart even when I know I can’t make people happy. I am trying to do every thing I can. I just keep depending on others to pray and give me the strength I need to keep going.
Carolyn:My heart goes out to you in full force. God does want you to be happy,but yes, life sure gets hard. Jesus, I pray for Carolyn today. That you would lift her from this empty place of despair and transform her desperation into dancing with joy. That she would see an almighty work of your hand in her life. Carolyn, I wrote your name on a post it note on my computer and I’m keeping it there until my book releases Sept. 2015. It is my reminder that this book, One More Step: when you feel like giving up, is from my heart to yours.
I find it hard to pray for my problems or issues. I have no problem praying for my friends and family and whoever request prayer but I do not feel right. My life is not all that bad at this time. There is so many more in need. I need to take a lesson from Hannah and pour my heart out to God.
God wants to hear everything in your heart, Gail! He loves you sooo much that he wants to hear from you, even if you feel like it’s just complaining. Prayers for you today!
We are studying 1 Samuel in our neigborhood. I like how you made Hannah’s profile current- and she’s such a great example of a tenacious faithful woman. Excited to share this with the group! Thanks!
I couldn’t agree more about the power of prayer, Rachel! Thanks for continuing in this series and for hosting us each week, my friend!
First, I read your book-Sensational Scent of Prayer and loved reading about Hannah which for me was really the first time. Since I always believe the best about people, Hannah must have been a beautiful prayer warrior who gave her all. Loved your words today-from whispering wisher to wonderful warrior! Hugs!