In this episode, we begin a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Hannah. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our desires and the ache of longing much like Hannah's desire for a child. We chat about the temptation to compare our areas of barrenness to other people's fruitfulness and the freedom of surrender and keeping our eyes on Christ. We acknowledge the importance of remembering that union with God is the promise, not the things we desire, and how God's delayed response is sometimes a great mercy. Sister Miriam closes this episode with a prayer inviting the Lord to meet you in the places of fear, despair and longing. 

Sister Miriam's one thing -  Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins  from Ascension Press

Heather's one thing - The 2021 Passion Conference

Heather's other one thing - Promises - Maverick City Music

Michelle's one thing - The Given Forum 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. When have you experienced the Lord allowing you to journey through a season of physical, spiritual or emotional barrenness?
3. Where have you allowed yourself to focus on other people's fruitfulness and allowed yourself to believe that God has forgotten about you?
4. Desperation and surrender can draw us closer to God that we may bear fruit. How have you experienced this in your life?
5. Do you trust God to write a good story in your life even when things are not how you expected? Are there areas where you still need to surrender control?

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you felt that God has not answered, fulfilled, listened to or given you a desire that you longed for? What has your reaction been in these situations? What lies are you believing because of this? 
2. What are the areas of barrenness in your life? How is the Holy Spirit asking you to acknowledge your longing and bring it to him?  
3. What is the posture of prayer you want to place yourself in before the Lord through this season?

Quotes to Ponder: "To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God's infinite goodness." - St. Therese 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  

"Daughter, the God of Israel has granted your petition as you have asked of Him." - 1 Samuel 1:17  

"My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory. There is no Holy One like the Lord; there is no Rock like our God." - 1 Samuel 2:1-2

This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose.

Do you long for healing and wholeness? Would you like to be rooted and grounded in a love that will never fail you? Fearless and Free, a Catholic Bible study from Walking with Purpose, will allow you to experience healing and wholeness in Christ. In this transformational study, you'll journey through the book of Ephesians to gain a firm Biblical foundation to stand on no matter what life throws your way. The six-lesson format of Fearless and Free makes it an ideal Bible study for Lent, and a free leader's guide can be downloaded from the Walking with Purpose website. Use code abide15 for 15% off Fearless and Free, now through Ash Wednesday, February 17.

We also announce our 2021 Lenten Book Study - This Present Paradise - Claire Dwyer.