“Where could I go? Where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul. Needing a friend to help me in the end. Where could I go but to the Lord?” This precious memory comes to life with the close of my eyes. As a child, I didn’t understand why my grandmother got emotional during this song. Now I realize it is more than a song. It is a prayer. I know the sound of my grandmother’s consistent, faithful prayers. And as I study Hannah in 1 Samuel, I wonder how she prayed as she cried out to God for relief.
Hannah prayed consistently.
Cut after cut, blow after blow, year after childless year, Hannah was taunted by words from Peninnah’s heart of stone. Her tearful soul kept seeking refuge. Much like the words sung by my grandmother, Hannah had nowhere to go but to the Lord.
Hannah prayed desperately.
A severe offense from someone in our household can disfigure our faith identity. Yet, Hannah held onto her spiritual conviction. Deeply hurt, abused, and accursed with barrenness, she made a vow.
Hannah prayed intensely.
Her wordless prayer was so emotional that she appeared drunk as her lips moved and her voice remained silent. Out of the brokenness in her heart, the intensity of her unspoken plea poured out on the throne of grace.
Hannah prayed passionately.
Her anguish and resentment lit a fire within. There was no wickedness or malice in her private conversation with God. Only the raw emotions of a woman who strongly desires the favor of God.
Consistent, desperate, intense, and passionate, Hannah’s prayer life carries familiar tones for us all. As I consider Hannah’s years of praying through her circumstance, I vow to keep praying and praying some more because, after all, where could I go but to the Lord?
Let’s Reflect
Where do you turn when life feels unbearable? How has your faith identity been impacted by grief or despair? Take some time this week to go to the Lord in prayer.
Let’s Pray
God, there are hurts that no one can understand but You. There are burdens that no one can relieve but You. As we cry out to You this week with the weight of life’s responsibilities on our shoulders, hear our prayers, O Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.