Hannah’s story expresses the concept of being a conduit for God’s desire. Hannah implores God and vows that if He grants her a son, she will raise the boy to be devoted to God (King James Bible, 1 Sam 1:5-11). Hannah represents intercession as she prays on behalf of her unborn child, pleading to give life to an offspring who will dedicate his existence to the Lord. Unlike some people directing their swords against their fellows, Hannah begs for the creation of a person committed to God (King James Bible, 1 Sam 14:20). In her intercession, Hannah’s words become a conduit as her prayer acts as a medium through which the intent of birthing for the Lord’s benefit is moved.
The notion of being a conduit can be explored through parallels between Hannah and the earth’s formation described in Genesis 1. A conduit is a channel through which a purposeful substance flows. First, Genesis 1 is a conduit as it concentrates on the earth’s construction (King James Bible, Genesis 1:1-31). Likewise, Hannah’s experience reflects a conduit as it focuses on giving life (King James Bible, 1 Sam 1:11). Second, in Genesis 1, different elements are produced through God’s speech (King James Bible, Genesis 1:1-31). Similarly, the words spoken in Hannah’s heart cause her son’s birth (King James Bible, 1 Sam 1:13). Hannah’s narrative and Genesis 1 reflect the components of a conduit, based on which the concept of becoming a conduit can be understood as generating the flow of a purposeful essence.
The birthing process of Samuel can mirror the tumultuous procedure of the earth becoming fit for God’s desire. Samuel is the son brought to life by Hannah, who is barren and troubled at the beginning but becomes pregnant after promising to devote her child to the Lord (King James Bible, 1 Sam 1:5-11). The earth is bare at first but is filled with life in ways that please God (King James Bible, Genesis 1:1-31). Consequently, Samuel’s birth mirrors Earth’s creation as both begin from emptiness but are altered to satisfy the Lord.
One of the instances in my life where I have felt a resonance between my desires and what I believe to be God’s desire is taking this class. I long to have an effective prayer life, and I feel that it is God’s yearning for me to be equipped and trained in prayer and become an intercessor. Therefore, my wish to become a better Christian resonates with the Lord’s desire to nurture me in my faith.
Reference
King James Bible. (n.d.). The King’s Bible.