Day 3 - Hannah: All In Through Prayer That Births Purpose

Devotional Scripture Reading

Primary Passage: 1 Samuel 1:10-18

Supporting Scriptures (as cited in devotional): 1 Samuel 1:6-7, 1 Samuel 1:10-15, Psalm 34:18, 1 Samuel 1:18, 1 Samuel 1:27-28

KJV (Full Text):

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

Summary: 1 Samuel 1:10-18 — Hannah poured out her heart to the LORD, and Eli blessed her as she trusted God for her request.

Hannah carried grief that people could not fix, and words could not fully explain (1 Samuel 1:6–7). Yet she did not allow pain to make her bitter. She allowed pain to drive her to prayer.

The Hebrew word palal (פָּלַל) means to intercede with intensity. Being All In means you bring God, your real burden, not a polished version of it.

First, Hannah shows us honesty in prayer. She poured out her soul before the Lord (1 Samuel 1:10–15). People misread her, but God heard her. Psalm 34:18 says the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. Hannah teaches that heaven responds to surrendered hearts, even when humans misunderstand.

Second, Hannah shows us faith while waiting. She left the temple with a changed countenance before she saw a changed circumstance (1 Samuel 1:18). That is spiritual maturity. Faith is not only belief in an outcome. It is trust in God’s character while the outcome is still forming.

Third, Hannah shows us stewardship of the answer. When God gave Samuel, she gave Samuel back to God (1 Samuel 1:27–28). That is not a loss. That is lordship. Hannah teaches that All In devotion does not idolize blessings. It dedicates blessings to purpose.

Hannah reminds us that prayer can be more than comfort. It can be a birth calling. It can birth leadership. It can bring renewal to a family and to a church. During this fast, do not just ask God for relief. Ask God for purpose in what you are carrying.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Hannah’s example of honest prayer. Teach me to bring You my burdens without fear and without hiding. Heal what is heavy in my heart. Lord, help me trust You while I wait. If You bless me, teach me to steward that blessing for Your will and Your glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. What burden am I carrying that I need to pour out to God in prayer thoroughly?

2. If God answers me, how will I dedicate the answer back to His purpose?