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The Thin Place

Pray Like Hannah and Give It to God

We all have it. Those lingering things we beg God for. Sometimes they quietly ache in the back of our mind when we pray and other times, we have the whole congregation begging God on our behalf.  We’ve done the right things. We haven’t committed any of the big sins like murder or adultery. Don’t we deserve the blessing of God? Shouldn’t we be given what our good behavior has earned us?

Hannah knew our plight. She had begged God for years for a child while watching her husband conceive with another woman. Month after month, year after year, baby after baby, she waited and wondered and wept. She was a good woman and it seemed like a simple request. So year after year, she got on her knees in prayer.

“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, ‘O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.’” – 1 Samuel 1:10-11, ESV

Hannah fell before her Lord and knew exactly what where she stood. She didn’t deserve a baby. None of us deserve our blessings, that’s why they are blessings. We have all fallen short and stand before God desperately lost. Over and over again, we fall short. Assuming the best in ourselves and seeing bad parents, those who mismanage their abundance of money, and those who wife who doesn’t treat her husband as wonderfully as we would.

Nothing that comes our way is based on our merit. As my husband reminds me regularly, Ecclesiastes tells us that it rains on the good and the bad. God blesses all of us more than we deserve, not because we deserve it, but because in His mercy, He lavishes us with much more than we deserve.

God blesses all of us more than we deserve, not because we deserve it, but because in His mercy, He lavishes us with much more than we deserve. Click To Tweet

But it ultimately all His.

When Hannah prayed, she realized that nothing God would give her would be her own to hold. Whatever He gave her was not her just payment, but a free gift for her to hold with open hands.

When we are praying, when we are living, we need to remember that what we’ve been given is a gift from God. It is not to hoard, but to bless others. When we pray, our focus should not be on selfish desires but on blessing the greater Church. Be it a child, a spouse, a raise, or healing, the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom should be at the forefront of our mind.

God has opened my eyes to the generosity of His Church in many ways. When I was in Hawaii, friends loaned me their cars and their homes. No matter what, I have always known that I would be cared for by the Church. Because the people surrounding me always viewed their blessings as Hannah did, with open hands.

They knew that their cars, homes, money, and time was not their own.

When Hannah prayed, she realized that nothing God would give her would be her own to hold. Whatever He gave her was not her just payment, but a free gift for her to hold with open hands. Click To Tweet

Excessive generosity was displayed by Hannah in the life of her child. When the Lord blessed her, she fulfilled her promise. After beginning her son, Samuel’s, life in the ways of the Lord, she took him to the Temple to be raised by the priests. The Lord blessed her and with open hands, she held her son, offering him back to God.

Hannah's prayer in 1st Samuel is a powerful petition. How can we pray like Hannah and offer our heart's desire back to the Lord? #Prayer #Devotional #Praying #Infertility #ChristianWomenWhy I Pray Like Hannah and Give It to God - She prayed boldly and offered boldly. And her little prayer in Samuel is an example for us all to look to when we are begging God to hear our prayers.  #devotional #Prayer #fertilityprayer #christianwoman 2christianwomen #jesusgirl

She prayed boldly and offered boldly. And her little prayer in Samuel is an example for us all to look to when we are begging God to hear our prayers.

But no matter what God answers, we need to open our lives up for the growth of His kingdom and the healthy of His Church, rain or shine. For some, that looks like sharing our stories with the Church and reminding others that faithfulness to God isn’t dependent on everything going our way. For others, that might look like sharing faithfully the gifts God has sent our way.

When we are on our knees, when we are asking God why, we need to remember why He does bless us. We need to take inventory of our lives and to question how we are stewarding the blessings we have already been given. And we need to remember what God has called us to do with the blessings He sends our way.

If you liked this, you might also enjoy: 

Growing in Prayer

Reclaiming Womanhood and Motherhood in the Midst of Infertility

No Answer: Waiting for an Unanswered Prayer

Disciplines of the Faith: 5 Tools to Deepen Your Prayer Life 

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The Comments

  • Denise
    November 2, 2017

    praying can come easy for may people but letting go and trusting God to do his part is usually where the secret lies. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Michelle
    November 2, 2017

    This was so good to read as I am focusing more on my relationship with God lately! Thanks for a great post that was much needed today!

    Reply
  • Kristi
    November 3, 2017

    What a blessing to have experienced such a generous church! My family has been blessed with a generous church body as well and it just makes us praise Jesus for his amazing goodness!

    Reply
  • Carri
    November 3, 2017

    Was discussion this topic with friends this week. We are stewards over the things God has blessed us with—they are not our own and are meant to be shared with others. Hannah is the perfect example of consecrating all she had to the Lord. Beautiful reminder for us to become more like Hannah!

    Reply
  • Katie
    November 4, 2017

    This is beautiful Bailey!!! I loved the entire thing and was so convicted but this thought got straight to my heart. “When we pray, our focus should not be on selfish desires but on blessing the greater Church. Be it a child, a spouse, a raise, or healing, the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom should be at the forefront of our mind.” Thank you for the reminder to be focused on God’s glory and the good of His people — in this way we reflect His heart!

    Reply
  • Kristin Cook
    November 4, 2017

    This reminds me of something my best friend and I were talking about yesterday. We were discussing prayer and how to explain to people that no matter what God does in answer to our prayers, He is still good and knows much better than we do. That’s not always easy to remember, but it’s the truest answer.

    Reply
  • The Thin Place In 2017: The Top 5 Posts to Encourage Your Faith - The Thin Place
    January 3, 2018

    […] 5) Pray Like Hannah And Give It To God […]

    Reply
  • Linda
    March 1, 2018

    Encouraging post. I am currently dealing with issues with my daughter who just turned 17 yrs of age. She left the house today with her boyfriend that she’s known for 2 months. She totally flipped and don’t recognize who she is by doing this. She dropped her college courses and I’m not sure if she will continue going to high school. I’ve been in distress and suffering for her doing this. I feel like the world is coming down on me. This post is reminding me of who to put my focus on. She is a gift to me from God and I am turning my Focus on Gods blessings and his grace and mercy for us. I trust that God will delivery us from this mess and bring something good out of this situation. Requesting Prayers for my daughter .

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Linda
      March 1, 2018

      Oh Linda, covering you and your precious daughter tonight. He sees and He knows.
      If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend the book Seasons of Waiting by Betsey Childs Howard. It goes through several types of waiting and longing we experience. One of those longings is for a prodigal child. God is working even now in the midst of this.

      Reply
  • anne-onedeterminedlife
    March 6, 2018

    I love the story of Hannah! There is so much we can learn from her. I agree that God does answer all our prayer, the hard part is waiting for His will and knowing that we may not get what we pray for but that God has the better plan.

    Reply
  • Sarah
    March 6, 2018

    Well said. Thank you for the reminder of the other side of making requests in prayer…..our side.

    Reply
  • Jennifer
    March 7, 2018

    I am at this place right now. Thanks for sharing, it was deeply meaningful.

    Reply
  • Rebecca rice
    March 7, 2018

    I know the important take away from this post is trusting in God, however, I AM OBSESSED WITH YOUR MUG! “Jesus, Meet Me Here” is giving me all types of feels! Currently going to look for one so I can find my inner peace a little bit better 🙂

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Rebecca rice
      March 7, 2018

      Isn’t it the best?!?! I am totally in love with it (she writes as she takes another sip from said mug).

      I got it from The Daily Grace Co. Unfortunately, they are no longer selling that specific one but they have so many wonderful ones you can check out via my affiliate link here: https://www.thedailygraceco.com?rfsn=771263.bd8de2

      Reply
  • Heather
    March 7, 2018

    Enjoyed this! Remembering his blessings As we pray is so important and shifts our focus from “why me” to “thank you!” Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  • Crystal // Dreams, etc.
    March 8, 2018

    It can be so hard to let go and just trust that God’s will for us is best when we so desperately want something. And that if it’s His will, we’ll get it in His time frame. This is a great reminder of what we need to do.

    Reply
  • Renee
    May 29, 2018

    I really enjoyed this post. Thank u so much for sharing!!

    Reply
  • Sabrina
    June 5, 2018

    I’ve read this twice!! I love this!! I think I just changed my entire business! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Sabrina
      June 5, 2018

      Sabrina, I’m so glad it was an encouragement to you! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  • Alice
    August 12, 2018

    Well written, thank you for sharing this with us. I have loved the Lord for 41 yrs and there are always new things to learn in His word! His mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.

    Reply
    • TheThinPlace
      Alice
      August 13, 2018

      Every. Single. Morning. He is faithful, Alice.

      Reply
  • Windy Best
    August 12, 2018

    Am going to try this method

    Reply
    • TheThinPlace
      Windy Best
      August 13, 2018

      <3

      Reply
  • Cristen
    September 12, 2018

    Such a beautiful, well timed message!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Cristen
      September 15, 2018

      Thank you, Cristen.

      Reply
  • Natalie
    October 2, 2018

    The message here was great, but I suggest proofreading your work before posting. There were certain grammatical errors that made it difficult to understand what you were trying to say, and therefore it distracted from the whole piece. Keep trying, though; I think with a little more practice this could be a good platform for you to spread God’s Word.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Natalie
      October 4, 2018

      Sorry about that, Natalie. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  • Jaala Selders
    October 15, 2018

    This is a beautiful expression of how one is to live! I am so grateful to have come across this. It truly blesses and challenges me in entirety! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Jaala Selders
      October 17, 2018

      Thank you, Jaala <3 I'm so glad it's an encouragement to you.

      Reply
  • kage2015
    October 19, 2018

    There have been a few times I have cried my eyes out while praying and other times mostly very calm and sincere. Always remember to give thanks for what you have before start asking for something. On his time line not ours, open that conversation doorway everyday.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      kage2015
      October 19, 2018

      It brings a whole new gravity to the situation when we can relate with the Bible stories on such an intensely personal level. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  • Kristin's Peppermints and Cherries
    October 19, 2018

    What a great reminder of the Lord and His sovereignty. He truly does bless us with so many good gifts, and children are one of the best gifts. 🙂

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kristin’s Peppermints and Cherries
      October 19, 2018

      He is good, in every situation.

      Reply
  • Kiersten
    October 19, 2018

    This is something I’ve been focusing on lately. I’ve been trying to be more thankful for the things God has given me. I’ve found it really makes a difference!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Kiersten
      October 19, 2018

      It makes a huge difference!

      Reply
  • Lydia Woods
    October 19, 2018

    Thanks for sharing this! Hannah is such a great example of faith through her sadness. I know that pain of longing for a child and not receiving one. It’s hard and at times I’m ashamed to say my faith wore thin. But He gives us grace. I’m so thankful for that.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Lydia Woods
      October 19, 2018

      Hannah is one of the stories I’ve clung to during the pain of infertility. Her faithfulnesses amazes me.

      Reply
  • Wendy Wallace
    October 19, 2018

    God knows what we need even before we ask Him, yet He wants us to ask anyway. Our blessings come through His abundant grace. I’m thankful for that.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Wendy Wallace
      October 19, 2018

      Isn’t it wonderful to serve such a great God?

      Reply
  • Lovingourmessy
    October 20, 2018

    I’ve been working my way through Samuel so this post was perfectly timed. 😉 I love Hannah’s faithfulness and am in awe of her long awaited child right back to God. I think we can do that with our own children (in a sense) and give our fears and worries about them to Him. So much easier said than done! Loved this post!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Lovingourmessy
      October 22, 2018

      Easier said than done for sure but such an important reminder to surrender!

      Reply
  • Judy
    January 23, 2019

    Some times I find it easy to pray but hard to give it to God. This is an amazing reminder. We need to not only pray but give it completely to God and trust that what happens is in His hands.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Judy
      January 23, 2019

      Me too. It’s such a struggle to surrender control but so important that we remind ourselves that He is trustworthy.

      Reply
  • bradley9
    January 23, 2019

    I love how Hannah was able to trust God completely! That’s not always easy to do, but Hannah’s faith is an inspiration.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      bradley9
      January 23, 2019

      I do too! Such an inspiration!

      Reply
  • Mama Writes Reviews
    January 24, 2019

    Oh, my goodness, I needed this today more than you know. My prayer life has been lacking and I’ve been feeling frustrated with myself over it.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Mama Writes Reviews
      January 28, 2019

      I’m so glad! I love how God speaks to us – even through strangers on the internet!

      Reply
  • Chermaine Loyd
    March 24, 2019

    This is beautiful and blessed my soul tremendously, hallelujah!!!!! Right on verge of breaking and wondering why I’m faced with so much hardship, because I’m a good woman right, but in my selfishness I come across this through Pinterest, I’m not worthy of nothing God has given me but yet He does! Thank you Lord for Your perfect Grace! I’m adopting the stance and prayer of Hannah

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Chermaine Loyd
      March 27, 2019

      It’s a constant battle for me, Chermaine! May we both be more like Hannah! I’m so glad this was an encouragement to you. God is good even when we struggle to see it.

      Reply
  • kage2015
    April 3, 2019

    Always ask if it be his will not ours. Wait patiently. Takes time doesn’t happen overnight or even within a month. But we will see what Heavenly Father wants for us.

    Reply
  • Julie Plagens
    April 4, 2019

    I love the story of Hannah. God hears us. He knows our pain and he answers in His time. Samuel was the blessing of waiting.

    Reply
  • Cayla
    April 5, 2019

    Bailey, thanks for much for this! I’ve had a difficult couple of months and I think the main reason is due to be not fully letting things go and giving them to the Lord. I need to pray more specific prayers and fully give things over to Him. Thank you!

    Reply
  • Latricia
    May 30, 2020

    Awesome ,Awesome word ! So needed to read this right now. I fought me in there I will do better. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  • Idah Kalua
    September 24, 2020

    Very inspiring ,Hanna prayed to God with all her heart and God head her prayer . Our God is loving and kind . Even if humble ourselves to confess on our sins with all our heart He forgets and forgive. And will always hear our prayer 🙏.

    Reply
  • Sandi King
    December 30, 2020

    Pray for me

    Reply
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Hello, I’m Bailey
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Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

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