Lent to the Lord

1 Samuel 1:21-2:11

The following poem, entitled “Lent to the Lord”, was inspired by the story of Hannah bringing her son Samuel to the temple in Shilo and leaving him there to serve with Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:24-28).

What must be said, mother to child,

that explains the promise,

that confirms the intent,

that eases separation,

that masks deep emotion?

Lent to the Lord, you are, given to God.

Lent to the Lord, you are, child of my womb.

And what will the child say in light of his fear,

on the steps of the temple,

on the cusp of the holy,

that shows his ascent,

that marks understanding?

Lent to the Lord, I am, given to God.

Lent to the Lord, I am, no longer your child.

And what will the Lord say,

through the prophet, God’s voice,

that will open the door,

that will honor the moment,

that will bless and will consecrate?

Lent to the Lord, you are, given to me.

Lent to the Lord, you are, child of my heart.

Prayer: Lord, may we, too, acknowledge your place in our lives, that we are your children, and may we serve you always. Amen.

Hannah Has Her Say

1 Samuel 1:1-20

The story of Hannah praying in the temple at Shilo (1 Samuel 1:9-18) inspired me to write the following poem entitled “Hannah Has Her Say.”

With care she folds her words between cracks in the holy silence

the hush imposed on sacred space.

She weighs each syllable to test

what God will tolerate.

Not above a whisper she speaks

but to God’s ear a righteous shout.

And in that moment her heart is impregnated by hope.

She is not drunk as one supposes;

she only knows as she is known.

I have always appreciated the poignancy in Hannah’s actions and the response she received from the priest Eli. When all was said and done Hannah left the temple with renewed hope, knowing God’s peace just as the priest had pronounced it, realizing somewhere deep inside that God was indeed aware of her.

Prayer: God of hope, help us to live in the peace that comes from knowing that you are aware of us and that you care for and love us. Amen.