Here I Am

 “Hineni: Here I Am”

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come

 it is written about me in the scroll:

 I delight to do Your will, O my God;

 Your law is within my heart.

Psalms 40:7-8 

Hineni: The Posture of Surrender

As we journey through Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal—we are invited to echo the ancient Hebrew word: 

Hineni (הִנֵּנִי), “Here I am.”

This is no casual phrase. It is the soul’s response to God’s call, spoken by those who stood at the threshold of radical obedience:

Abraham, when God tested his faith (Genesis 22:1)

Moses, before receiving his commission (Exodus 3:4)

Samuel, as a child learning to hear God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:4)

Isaiah, standing in awe before God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:8)

In Psalm 40, David joins this sacred line, saying “Hineni” with a willing heart: “I desire to do Your will, O my God.” He’s not just offering God his time or talent—he offers himself. Heart. Soul. Will.

Jesus: The Ultimate Hineni

The writer of Hebrews (10:5–10) reveals that these words are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. When He came into the world, He essentially said:

“Hineni, Father—here I am. I delight to do Your will.”

His obedience was not forced. It was chosen. And it led Him to the cross. For our sake. His life and sacrifice exemplify the perfect response to God’s call, demonstrating a heart fully aligned with the Father’s purpose.

Lent brings us to the foot of that cross—not just to gaze at Christ’s sacrifice, but to respond. We are called to follow Him, to take up our own cross, and say with our lives: “Hineni. Here I am.”

A Lenten Prayer of Surrender

Hineni, Lord.

Here I am. Not hiding. Not withholding.

I offer You my ordinary, broken, unsure self.

Write Your Word deep within me.

Help me desire what You desire,

And walk the road You walked—

with trust, with courage, with love.

Amen.

Lenten Practice

Pause and Pray “Hineni.”

Today, before stepping into any task or conversation, whisper the word “Hineni.” Let it be a sacred invitation—offering yourself to God in the moment, saying: Here I am, Lord. Ready. Willing. Yours.