Today’s Old Testament Daily Office reading (I Samuel 1:1–2, 7b–28) recounts the story of Hannah and her longing for a son. We encounter Hannah as a woman tormented year after year by her infertility. This torment seems to have extinguished her hope, even leading her to avoid eating. Yet, in a last-ditch effort, she risks her reputation by baring her soul to the Lord and His priest. In this moment, we witness the essence of a rich prayer life. Hannah exemplifies what it means to throw ourselves at God and to disregard the opinions of the world. Remarkably, in her request for a son, she promises to lend him back to the Lord. As a parent, this resonates deeply: our children are not truly our own.

For me, Hannah embodies a Gospel truth: all good and perfect gifts come from the Lord and, therefore, belong to Him. We are not meant to cling to or possess what the Lord bestows. Instead, we should live with open hands, ready to receive His gifts and, in time, to relinquish them. This is the essence of biblical stewardship. I readily admit that I often struggle with this principle. I tend to hold onto things, places, and even people, because I love them deeply. However, true love, as Hannah demonstrates, involves returning what belongs to God in His time.

I am particularly drawn to the phrasing in verses 27 and 28: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Imagine that! She prayed fervently, pouring out her soul for one desire, and upon receiving it, she chose to give it back. I cannot count the times I have prayed for something from God—a thing, a word, or a sign—and upon receiving it, failed to offer it back to Him. Yet, Hannah uses the brilliant term “lent.” When we return what was given to us, we are lending back a blessing, and perhaps learning the most valuable lesson of all: that the blessing is not ours, but His, and how wonderful that we are invited to bless Him in return for His blessings.

Many of us live with open hands until we receive, and then we clench our fists. Perhaps God is calling us to live with open hands always. Perhaps the true blessing lies not in the receiving, but in the giving.

Hannah was given a son, but that son was ultimately dedicated to a divine purpose. Her petition led to a prophet, a kingdom, and a people who would pave the way for the Christ. Her gift was returned to God, and God used it to bring a greater gift to all the world.

My suggestion today is as much for myself as it is for anyone else: Pray like Hannah, never withholding the true desires of our hearts, and live like Hannah, willing to surrender the very thing we’ve asked for when God calls it back.

May we pray like drunkards and give like fools, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Amen