Jereè Ann, Author at Mend The Vow Ministries

According to the surrounding narrative, the poem (1 Samuel 2:1–10) was a prayer delivered by

Hannah was very sad because she had no children. She knew the importance of bearing children and teaching them about God, and she longed to be a mother and hold her own baby in her arms. A woman of deep faith, Hannah loved the Lord and knew that He would help her.

She describes her prayer as pouring out her soul in grief and great anguish. And when she is finished praying, she leaves in peace. Hannah demonstrates her faith through obedience, even when it means an extreme personal sacrifice. She has longed for this child, and she loves him as only a mother can love a child.

What was special about Hannah in the Bible?

Hannah, also spelled Anna, (11th century bc), mother of Samuel, the Jewish judge. Childless as one of the two wives of Elkanah, she prayed for a son, promising to dedicate him to God. Her prayers were answered, and she brought the child Samuel to Shiloh for religious training.

What are qualities of Hannah?

Hannah trusted God without doubt or concern.

Hannah’s story teaches us that our faith in God allows Him to bless us. Her trust in God as she turned to Him, her deep desire for children, and her faithfulness in bringing Samuel to God as promised are all evidences of God working in Hannah’s life.

“compassionate,” is closely related to the Hebrew word for “womb.” Most often, the word “compassion” and the deep emotion it conveys is associated with God. The Bible gives many pictures of God’s compassion—as a parent, a father, and even as a nursing mother.

Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none… 1 Samuel 1:6-7 her rival (Penninah) used to provoke her severely, to irritate her because the Lord had closed her womb. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.

What is the power of the womb?

The power of the womb has both been revered and feared for thousands of years now. Within it lies the power of life and of death. Here we have the capacity to harbor fertility that is beyond our capacity as women to give birth to a baby. Here is the seat of our wisdom, creativity, power, and sensuality.

What does Hannah's story teach us?

Hannah demonstrates her faith through obedience, even when it means an extreme personal sacrifice. She has longed for this child, and she loves him as only a mother can love a child. But her love for God is greater and she shows it by letting go of Samuel.

Footnotes

1 Samuel 1:1 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 6:26-27,33-35; or from Ramathaim Zuphim.
1 Samuel 1:20 Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for heard by God.
1 Samuel 1:22 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls always. I have dedicated him as a Nazirite—all the days of his life.”
1 Samuel 1:23 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac your
1 Samuel 1:24 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac; Masoretic Text with three bulls
1 Samuel 1:24 That is, probably about 36 pounds or about 16 kilograms

4 powerful scriptures about Hannah

What has been the one pursuit in your life that you’ve been waiting for Yeshua to complete in your life?
How have you been building on the promise?
Have you been diligent in your plans while you’re in preparation for your season of motherhood?

I’d love to hear your response in the comment section below.

Our Fasting Breakdown

Praise the Lord, my friend! Today is a day of fasting and prayer, as we seek a fresh move of God’s Spirit in our lives. From the midnight hour until noon, let us abstain from food, denying our physical appetites so that we may feast upon the Bread of Life.

As we humble ourselves before the Almighty, let us open our hearts to receive His divine guidance and empowerment. In this sacred time, may the heavens be unbarred, and may the gentle breeze of God’s presence sweep through our souls, igniting a renewed passion for His purposes.

Through our steadfast devotion and unwavering faith, let us trust that the Lord will meet us here. He is faithful, and His mercies are new every morning. So let us press in with confidence, knowing that as we seek His face, He will make His face to shine upon us.

May this time of consecration produce a spiritual awakening, equipping us to walk in greater authority and anointing. Lord, visit us with a fresh wind of Your Spirit, that we might be emboldened to fulfill the mission You have entrusted to us. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

A fresh wind blows, carrying the scent of hope and renewal. As I step out into this new day, I feel a sense of divine guidance and purpose surrounding me. The Lord’s hand is at work, moving in mysterious ways to provide the shelter and protection I need.

With each stride forward, I am reminded of His unwavering faithfulness. The storms of life may rage, but I am anchored in the promise of His steadfast love. This day, I will walk in the light of His grace, trusting that He will cover me with the mantle of His grace.

The path ahead may be uncertain, but I know that my steps are ordered by the Almighty. I will not be shaken, for my strength comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. In Him, I find the courage to face whatever challenges arise, for He is my shield and my very present help in times of trouble.

The movement of the Holy Spirit

In the Bible, the concept of wind is often associated with the movement of the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, on the day of Pentecost, it is written: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). This event marked the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.

Just as a fresh wind can bring renewal and change, the Holy Spirit can bring a fresh wind of spiritual awakening and transformation in our lives. It is like a breath of God breathing new life and energy into our souls. May we be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives, bringing us closer to God and guiding us in the path of righteousness.

How does the Holy Spirit bring renewal in our lives?

The Holy Spirit brings renewal in our lives by convicting us of sin, guiding us into truth, and empowering us to live according to God’s will. In the book of Titus, it is written: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). This renewal is a spiritual transformation that occurs when we surrender our lives to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Through the Holy Spirit, we are given new hearts and minds, enabling us to break free from sinful patterns and live in alignment with God’s Word. The Spirit empowers us to bear fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

As we submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are continually transformed and renewed, becoming more like Christ in character and conduct. This process of sanctification is ongoing and requires our cooperation with the Spirit’s work in our lives. May we be open to the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to mold us into vessels of honor for God’s glory.

How can we recognize the conviction of the Holy Spirit ?

The conviction of the Holy Spirit is often felt as a deep sense of remorse, repentance, and awareness of sin in our lives. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would convict the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we may experience a heavy burden or unease about our actions, thoughts, or attitudes that are contrary to God’s will. This conviction is not meant to condemn us but to lead us to repentance and restoration. As it is written in the book of Acts, “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 2:38).

To recognize the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we must be sensitive to His gentle nudging in our hearts and willing to confront areas of our lives that need to be brought into alignment with God’s truth. It is through prayer, reflection on Scripture, and seeking wise counsel from fellow believers that we can discern the voice of the Spirit convicting us and guiding us towards repentance and transformation. May we heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit with humility and obedience, knowing that His ultimate desire is for our restoration and renewal in Christ.

How does the Holy Spirit guide us in truth?

The Holy Spirit guides us into truth by illuminating the Word of God and leading us in understanding and applying its teachings in our lives. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper and would guide them into all truth (John 16:13).

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures come alive to us, revealing God’s character, His will, and His promises. As it is written in the book of Psalms, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Spirit helps us to grasp the depths of God’s wisdom and to discern His guidance for our lives.

When we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and meditation on God’s Word, He opens our eyes to spiritual truths and empowers us to live in accordance with them. The Spirit also convicts us when we veer off course and gently leads us back to the path of righteousness.

As we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, He enables us to walk in truth, to discern right from wrong, and to live in a way that honors God. May we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of our lives, trusting in His wisdom and direction to lead us on the path of righteousness and obedience to God’s Word.

Training Your Eyes And Ears In The Spirit

How to Equip Your Eyes and Ears to See and Hear from God

As children of God, we are called to walk in faith and live attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, in our noisy world filled with endless distractions, it can be challenging to discern the still, small voice of the Lord. To position ourselves to see and hear from God, we must intentionally prepare our hearts and minds.

First, we must saturate ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us, revealing His heart, will, and wisdom. As we regularly read, study, and meditate on Scripture, our spiritual senses become sharper and more sensitive to the Lord’s guidance. The psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, He uses it to illuminate the way forward.

Secondly, we must cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. Through honest, humble conversation with our heavenly Father, we open the channels of communication between us and Him. In the quiet moments of prayer, we create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our spirits. As we bring our petitions, thanksgiving, and worship before the Lord, we position ourselves to hear His still, small voice directing our steps.

Finally, we must be willing to obey the promptings we receive, even when they require sacrifice or stepping out in faith. God’s guidance is not merely for our information, but for our transformation. When we respond in faithful obedience, we build trust in the Lord’s leading and open the door for Him to reveal even more of His plan for our lives.

As we equip our eyes to see and our ears to hear from God, we can walk in greater intimacy with Him and experience the joy of following His perfect plan. May we be a people who are steadfast in seeking the Lord, attentive to His voice, and courageous in our response.

Today's Prayer

Lord, we come before you today seeking your protection and guidance. In a world that can feel dark and uncertain, we cling to the promise of your ever-present light. Like a fresh wind, we pray that your Spirit would breathe new life into our hearts and renew our faith.

Cover us, dear Lord, with the shield of your unfailing love. May your angels encamp around us, guarding and defending us from the schemes of the enemy. When the storms of life rage, let us find refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Give us the discernment to recognize your voice amidst the noise of this world. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our convictions, unmoved by the shifting tides of culture. As we walk through each day, may our steps be ordered by your Word, our paths made straight by your wisdom.

Lord, we ask that you would fill us anew with the power of Pentecost. Ignite within us a holy passion to proclaim your gospel, to be your hands and feet to a world in desperate need of your saving grace. Use us as vessels of your love, conduits of your mercy and compassion.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Cover us, defend us, empower us – that we might bring glory to your name. Amen.