Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk…
1 Samuel 1:13 (NIV)
Today the chapter-a-day journey begins a trek through 1 Samuel. It’s the adventurous story of nations, wars, and the making of kings. But just like Luke’s version of Jesus’ story, the story fascinatingly begins with a woman… a barren woman.
Hannah is one of the two wives of a man named Elkanah. His other wife Penninah, has had many sons and daughters. Hannah remains childless. A fact that her rival wife mercilessly uses to diminish her at every opportunity.
When Hannah accompanies her husband on his annual pilgrimage to offer sacrifices at God’s tent temple — the Tabernacle, she finds herself hitting rock bottom. She takes her sorrow, her anguish, and her hearts desire to the entrance of the Tabernacle. There, she prays.
Hannah’s prayer was
Deeply focused.
Silent.
Intense.
I pictured her standing there, so silently intent that the priest thought she was drunk. I heard echoes of Paul’s words
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Rom 8:26 (NIV)
“Do not be drunk on wine…but filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18 (NIV)
In Jewish tradition, Hannah is an example of Amidah prayer. “Amidah” literally means “standing.” Amidah is the central prayer in Jewish worship and it’s prayed three times a day.
It begins by taking three steps forward — as if you’re approaching God’s throne (or Hannah approaching God’s Tabernacle).
It’s prayed silently – or in a breath’s whisper.
It’s prayed with minimal movement.
It’s prayed with deep concentration.
Amidah is not performative or polished prayer. It’s not prayer for loud effect. It’s prayer that’s present, raw, focused, and deeply personal.
In the quiet this morning, I was mesmerized by Hanna’s Amid. I’ve mentioned in previous posts/podcasts that God has been whispering to me repeatedly about my prayer life of late. I have always attempted to live each day in a perpetual attitude of prayer — making my life a continuous conversation with God.
But sometimes life requires a more intense prayer offering. Prayer that…
Approaches fearlessly.
Stands courageously.
Groans the heart’s deepest longings wordlessly.
Pounds at God’s door shamelessly.
And so, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to end my post/podcast right here.
It’s time for me to stand, and pray.
If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.
