Reading between the Lines: Hannah

This week on Reading between the Lines, we are learning more about the story of Hannah.

Hannah’s story is a brief one, but an important part of the story of God’s people. Samuel was integral in spiritual leadership as God’s people transitioned from being led by judges to being governed by a monarchy. Her faithfulness in prayer and in honoring commitments and promises to God had used to point to God’s faithfulness even when it seems like hope should not exist. Hannah shows up in congregations and hearts across the world, through those who are bearing things that are simply too heavy to be spoken out loud, but they have the ability to show up in spaces and offer silent prayers. These are the people who appear as though they are put together, but who do not speak during worship services; it’s too hard. This is where the gift of a community steps in - the community participates in worship and prays the words out loud on behalf of the ones who simply CANNOT, until the day comes when they are able to rejoin. Hannah is a reminder that all prayer is valid and every person is welcome in God’s presence, even when religious leaders may think or say otherwise. Hannah is proof that when it feels like God is absent, God is still present.

CW: infertility