A Praying Woman is A Powerful Woman

A woman that spends time in prayer, in the presence of God is a powerful woman, and a threat to the devil. Are you a praying woman?

During our busy lives, too often we do not pray enough. There are times we do not even know what to pray. We are bombarded with so many things we are trying to handle during the day, and the time we should be praying, we are not.

Are or we only praying about the most pressing issues and neglecting to take the time to get in God’s presence to pour our hearts out before Him. Are to really get close to Him, to know Him better, and to share with Him the deepest longings of our heart. A praying woman is a powerful woman, because she spends time in God’s Word.

In our pray-and-run existence, we shut off the very avenue by which He brings blessings into our lives.

• Do you hunger for a greater sense of the Lord’s presence in your life?
• Do you desire to know God in a deeper way?
• Do you want to serve Him better and more completely but do not feel you have the time, energy, or opportunity to do so?
• Do you need to spend more time with Him in prayer?
• Do you want your prayers to be accompanied by greater faith so that you can see greater answers to them?
• Do you need a more complete knowledge and understanding of God’s Word?
•  Do you ever just long to throw your arms wide open and embrace Jesus, white robes, rollers, and all, and feel His embrace of you? So, do I.

God wants you to long for His presence. He wants you to find your fulfillment in Him and nothing else. He wants you to walk closely with Him.

He wants you to increase in faith and knowledge of His Word. He wants you to put all your hopes and dreams in His hands and look to Him to meet all your needs.

When you do, He will open the storehouse of blessing upon your life. That is because these things are His will for you. But none of this happens without prayer. The good news is that this is the way God wants you to feel.

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

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What Does the Bible Say About a Praying Woman?

We notice in the bible there are many strong and faithful women of God who are praying women. Take for example:

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist. She was married to Zechariah. She is a cousin to Mary the mother of Jesus. We can read about Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-80.

Elizabeth was barren, and in the culture in which she lived, being barren brought shame upon your family. Yet Scripture says that Elizabeth was, “righteous in the eyes of God, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commands and regulations.” (Luke 1:6)

She never became bitter over her barrenness. She trusted God to do with her life what He deemed best. We can safely assume that Elizabeth prayed for a baby. And she waited, faithfully serving Him, regardless of if He were to bless her with a child or not. Then, in His perfect timing, He did.

“After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.’” Luke 1:24-25.

She considered herself immensely blessed by God – and did not need to parade around the town to show them that she was with child. She was overwhelmingly joyful simply because she knew that God saw her and heard her cry.

We should learn from Elizabeth – that we are called in life to be faithful to what God has commanded of us.

Anna

Anna was a remarkable woman of prayer. Her name, which means “grace,” defined her well. She was a precious gift from God. After the death of her husband, she chose not to remarry, instead engaging in a 100% focus on eternal matters.

Prayer, fasting and gratitude to God was the outflow of her devotion. However, her worship through the night and day demonstrated bold love by pointing people to Jesus.

She anticipated the coming of Christ, by speaking of Christ! A praying woman has the credibility and caring spirit to speak of Jesus. People listen to pure love.

“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help” (1 Timothy 5:5).

Mary

Mary the mother of Jesus, the wife of Joseph. When the angel came to her to announce that she was to be miraculously pregnant, even though she was not married, she trusted God.

In her culture, this could have brought shame on her and her entire home. Joseph could have legally broken the engagement. Yet Mary remained faithful and willing to serve the Lord.

“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

 And his   mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 1: 46-55

We can learn from Mary that we must always be a willing vessel, and that God is safe to trust. Even in what at first seems like a dire situation, God will be faithful and will keep us to the end. We can learn from her to look beyond our current circumstances and to keep focused on the Lord.

Hannah

Hannah’s prayer is one of the most inspiring in the Bible. Hannah cried out to the Lord – unafraid to show Him her broken heart and depressed emotions. The Bible says that she wept bitterly.

So much so that the priest at the temple thought that she was drunk. But even in her despair she did not waver in her belief that the Lord is good. When the Lord blessed her with a child, she sang His praises. Hannah never stopped believing that the Lord was good – even during her depression.

“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.

‘There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. ‘Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

‘The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more.

She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons’ pines away. ‘The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles, and he exalts.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. ‘For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world.

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. ‘It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken.

The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. ‘He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Titus 2:3-5 

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Jeremiah 33:3 

Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Isaiah 32:9-20 

Rise up, you women who are at ease, hear my voice; you complacent daughters, give ear to my speech. In little more than a year you will shudder, you complacent women; for the grape harvest fails, the fruit harvest will not come. Tremble, you women who are at ease, shudder, your complacent ones; strip, and make yourselves bare, and tie sackcloth around your waist. Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine, for the soil of my people growing up in thorns and briers, yes, for all the joyous houses in the exultant city. …

Revelation 11:1-19 

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. …

1 Timothy 2:1-15 

First, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, …

Proverbs 14:1 

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Acts 1:14 

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Ephesians 6:18 

always Praying in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

James 5:16 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working

The Importance of a Praying Woman

Why is a praying woman so important?

When a woman prays, something wonderful happens. Not just to the person for whom the prayers are spoken, but also for the person praying. Prayer changes things and people.

Throughout history, women have been especially powerful in taking up the mantle of prayer. When I was a young girl, I remember my mom as an intercessor, and she taught me how to be an intercessor as well. It is the prayers of women that establish the spiritual sanctuary of their family.

The bible is clear on what happens when women pray. Because of Queen Esther’s plea to save her people, “their sorrow [was] turned to gladness and their mourning into a holiday (Est 9:22).” The Blessed Virgin’s “yes” to the Archangel drew down the Savior of the world! When women pray, the glory of God triumphs and the devil is crushed (see Gen 3:15).

A praying woman is important because she keeps that armor strong – even for those who may not be saved or may not pray as much.

Prayer Helps Build a Relationship with God.

If you have a desire to build a relationship with God, that is the essential first step. That sets your intention and focus. The rest is a matter of taking regular baby steps towards God and being open to what happens.

As you build a relationship with God, however, we learn to live in a place of contentment where, regardless of what is going on around us, we can see beyond the natural sphere and into the spiritual realm. God always has a bigger and better picture than we. I have also learned that prayer has no boundaries. No distance in the spiritual realm.

God has a purpose for everything He has written in His Word. God has a purpose for us. You have wondered, God, what is my calling: what is my purpose? Why have You placed me on this earth? What is the bigger picture for my life? The answers to these and many other questions can be found by diligently seeking the Lord in prayer.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; And all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

You Are Equipped to be a Praying Women.

If you want to learn how to become a praying woman, you must do is understand the power of prayer. Many Christians woman talk about the power of prayer, but do you truly understand that the power is in you.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

We only must look at the example of Jesus if we want to learn how to become a praying woman. While Jesus was on earth, he spent a lot of time praying.

• He prayed in the early mornings.
• He prayed at night.
• He prayed before he performed miracles.
• He prayed for strength.
• He prayed on the cross.
• He prays for us even now in heaven.

If we want to become praying women, we have to pray as Jesus did. We have to pray every day, in every season, whatever is going on. Prayer transcends boundaries.

It is not limited by geography, class, status, gender, wealth, or any other thing. The only obstacle that blocks us from accessing the power of prayer is ourselves. We limit ourselves. We limit our power because we do not pray.

Proper prayer requires us to have a truthful understanding of God and what He has revealed to us through His Word. 

Jesus taught persistence in prayer. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). The parable Jesus shared is not meant to depict a pestering disciple who finally bugs God enough that He chooses to respond, but about persistence in prayer and waiting on God and His timing.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. — Mark 1:35

Yet, in the midst of such a marvelous career of relieving and blessing people in need, He spent the whole night in prayer.

Who Was a Prayerful Woman in the Bible?

All throughout the Bible, we find stories of women who remained strong in their faith and prayed fervently – even when it seems their prayers weren’t being answered. They knew prayer was not simply to ask for things but instead to keep a continuous conversation with the Father.

Here are some praying women of the Bible that changed the world.

 Elizabeth

Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist. She was married to Zechariah. She is a cousin to Mary the mother of Jesus. We can read about Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-80. Elizabeth was barren, and in the culture in which she lived, being barren brought shame upon your family. Yet Scripture says that Elizabeth was, “righteous in the eyes of God, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commands and regulations.” (Luke 1:6) She never became bitter over her barrenness. She trusted God to do with her life what He deemed best. We can safely assume that Elizabeth prayed for a baby. And she waited, faithfully serving Him, regardless of if He were to bless her with a child or not. Then, in His perfect timing, He did.

“After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.’”

Luke 1:24-25. She considered herself immensely blessed by God – and did not need to parade around the town to show them that she was with child. She was overwhelmingly joyful simply because she knew that God saw her and heard her cry.

We should learn from Elizabeth – that we are called in life to be faithful to what God has commanded of us.

Mary

Mary the mother of Jesus, the wife of Joseph. When the angel came to her to announce that she was to be miraculously pregnant, even though she was not married, she trusted God.

In her culture, this could have brought shame on her and her entire home. Joseph could have legally broken the engagement. Yet Mary remained faithful and willing to serve the Lord.

“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

And his   mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 1: 46-55

We can learn from Mary that we must always be a willing vessel, and that God is safe to trust. Even in what at first seems like a dire situation, God will be faithful and will keep us to the end. We can learn from her to look beyond our current circumstances and to keep focused on the Lord and His goodness.

The Canaanite Woman

This woman had a lot going against her. The Canaanites were viewed extremely poorly by the Israelites. She prayed to Jesus – and His disciples called her an annoyance. Yet she continued to cry out to Christ. She knew that He was God, and she did not let the others around her to cause her faith to stumble.

“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”

But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us. “He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

“But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.

“Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire. “And her daughter was healed instantly.” Matthew 15: 21-28

 Anna the Prophetess

“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38

We are not told in Scripture what Anna prayed for. But we know that she prayed for many, many years. The Lord blessed her faithfulness and allowed her to be one of the very first people to recognize that the baby Jesus was the Messiah. Anna persisted in praying, day and night. And God did not overlook her.

Sarah

Sarah prayed for many years for a child. Her husband Abraham was promised by God to be the Father of a great nation. Yet time passed and still no children. Sarah and Abraham grew old.

Their time of fertility had ended. Yet God blessed her with a son. During a time when it was physically impossible for her to have one. Sarah demonstrated great faith in the Lord and God blessed her tremendously.

“Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, ‘God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.’ She also said, ‘Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.’” Genesis 21:5-7

Naomi

Throughout the book of Ruth, we can learn a lot about prayer. The book begins with Naomi praying for her daughters-in-law. Naomi was a faithful woman who loved and trusted God which means she was a woman of prayer. 

Now, Naomi was in a terrible situation. She was a foreigner in a hostile land, all of the men of the family who were supposed to take care of her were dead, and there was famine in the land.

Her first response was not to pray for the Lord to rescue her, but she prayed for those whom she loved. Though she struggled in her faith, Naomi trusted God.

And at the end of the book, we can see how beautifully the Lord blessed her – he granted her a grandchild. May we learn to pray for others as faithfully as Naomi.

Hannah

Hannah’s prayer is one of the most inspiring in the Bible. Hannah cried out to the Lord – unafraid to show Him her broken heart and depressed emotions. The Bible says that she wept bitterly.

So much so that the priest at the temple thought that she was drunk. But even in her despair she did not waver in her belief that the Lord is good. When the Lord blessed her with a child, she sang His praises. Hannah never stopped believing that the Lord was good – even during her depression.

“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.

‘There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. ‘Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

‘The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more.

She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons’ pines away. ‘The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles, and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.

‘For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

‘It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. ‘He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 1 Samuel 2:1-10

 Miriam

Miriam is the daughter of Jochebed and the sister to Moses. She helped hide Moses in the reeds and then when Pharoah’s daughter found Moses, she wisely mentioned that she knew of a wet nurse for the baby. Even as Moses followed the Lord’s commands and freed the Israelites, Miriam worked by his side faithfully.

One of the oldest lines of poetry is the song of prayer that Miriam prayed to the Lord. This prayer occurred after they crossed the Red Sea while being chased by the Egyptian army. Miriam did not forget to praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

“Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. Both horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.” Exodus 15:21.

Hagar

Genesis 21:15-19 “When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. when she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.”

And as she sat there, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So, she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.”

Hagar had a dismal lot in life. She was a slave belonging to Sarah, and when Sarah disobeyed the Lord and sinned in convincing Abraham to sleep with Hagar so that she might become pregnant – she bore a son for Abraham, but this was not the son that God has promised would come to Abraham and Sarah. So, Sarah demanded she leave.

Hagar and her son traveled across the desert, and they ran out of water. They waited to die. But God had not forgotten her rand was gracious to her.

He showed Hagar a well of water and promised to make her son the father of another great nation. From Hagar, we can learn that God is gracious and merciful. Even towards the most undeserving.

 Mary Magdelene

Mary Magdalene was freed from demons by Jesus. She was able to experience freedom that is found only in Christ. Once she was saved, she became an entirely different person. Mary followed Christ, despite the risk.

She was fully committed to the Lord. Mary was one of the very first people to be able to announce that Jesus had been risen from the dead. No matter how ugly our past looks, no matter what sins we have committed – Christ can cleanse us and make us new.

John 20:1-18 “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (Which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord;’ and she told them that he had said these things to her.”

Names of Praying Woman in the Bible

THESE 5 WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT ALL PRAYED PRAYERS THAT WE SHOULD CAREFULLY STUDY AND IMPLEMENT IN OUR OWN LIVES. 

1. MIRIAM, SISTER OF MOSES:

Miriam, the little girl who followed her infant brother Moses as he journeyed down the Nile, grew to be a woman of remarkable faith. 

For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea.Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them:

     “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” -Exodus 15:19-21

Miriam had been through many trials in her life. Born into slavery and being in the family that, while working to free God’s people from said slavery caused them to suffer more for a short time was no doubt a heavy load to carry.

But instead of lamenting over the trials, she sought out the areas of joy. When God destroyed their oppressors with the Red Sea but allowed them to walk on dry ground, she responded by leading the others in thanksgiving to the Lord for His great triumph. Like Miriam, may we recognize that each and every triumph is the Lord’s and respond by leading others in thanksgiving. 

2. DEBORAH, THE JUDGE

Deborah is the first female leader recorded in the Bible. She stood as the prophet and judge of her day, telling the people what the Lord would have them do and ensuring that followed His commandments.

When Deborah shared the Lord’s instruction that His people battle their oppressors, the men were too scared to go without Deborah, the Lord’s prophet, with them. When the victory was won, Deborah and the leader of the military broke into song, telling the goodness of God.

3. HANNAH, MOTHER OF SAMUEL

Hannah is one of my favorite women in the Bible. She spent her prayers and tears at the feet of the Lord begging for Him to grant her a child. 

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore, Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.”

But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 

Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” – 1 Samuel 1:10-16, ESV

Praying like Hannah means pouring yourself, unashamedly before the feet of God. She boldly brought her requests to God and offered them back up, as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Him.

Hannah prayed and told God that any child He gave her would be offered back up as a servant to Him. She did not turn to the thing of this world to comfort her but laid out her grief in prayer, desperately pouring out her heart. Like Hannah, may we turn first to God and offer up everything to Him. 

4. ESTHER, QUEEN OF PERSIA

Esther was called to go before her husband, the king, uninvited, to try and save the Jewish people from genocide. Unbeknownst to her husband, she was one of the people he had condemned to death. Appearing before him to plead her case meant that she could be executed immediately for appearing without his invitation. 

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.

I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:15-16, ESV

Esther’s prayer life inspired me, not because I can read a recording of any of her actual prayers, but because she recognized that she needed others praying for her. Fasting is always associated with prayer.

Before Esther undertook the work the Lord had for her, she asked the entire city to fast and pray on her before for 3 days. May we, like Esther, recognize that we need the strength that comes from the prayers of others to do the work the Lord has for us. 

5. HAGAR

Like Miriam, Hagar was dealt a rough hand in life. A slave, she had very little say in where her life was going. She obediently bore Abraham’s son but when his wife, Sarah, had her own child, she ordered that Hagar and her young son be sent away to fend for themselves. 

When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept.

And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar?

Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. -Genesis 21: 15-19, ESV

Hagar’s prayer was simply a prayer of desperate tears. She was beaten down and without hope. But even in her lost heart, God heard her cries and the cries of her son.

Against the odds, God provided a way for her and her son to survive and made her offspring into an enduring nation. Even without words, she still managed to lift her broken voice to the Lord in despair. May we, like Hagar, lift our voices even when our pain is too deep for words. 

What Are the Characteristics of a Praying Women?

The Bible has much to say on how to become more godly, and there are many specific passages that share how to do so as a woman of God.

#1 A Godly Woman Fears the Lord

Proverbs 31:30 says…

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Rather than focusing on outward beauty or appealing to other people, a godly woman focuses on God first.

#2 She Speaks and Behaves Wisely

Proverbs 31:26-27 says…

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

A godly woman remembers that her words have meaning and that caring for her home and family is of the utmost importance. She uses her words to build up and not tear down.

#3 She Helps to Guide Younger Women into Godliness Themselves

Titus 2:3-5 says…

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

This is often used as an idealized portrait of the spouse of a deacon or elder in the church, but it can be applied to any godly woman who seeks after the things of God. One key characteristic is that she is concerned about teaching other women to follow Scripture in all they do.

#4 She Submits to Her Husband in Christian Marriage

Colossians 3:18 says…

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”

Rather than sinfully seeking dominance over her spouse, a godly woman should submit to her husband as he follows the Lord in their marriage.

#5 She Maintains a Witness for God in Her Marriage

1 Peter 3:1 says…

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

While it is always best for both spouses to be believers, a woman who has married a non-believer should stay faithful and let her life be a witness for God. This can lead her husband to his own relationship with God.

#6 She Does Not Behave Foolishly, she is wise and so Protects Her Household

Proverbs 14:1 says…

“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”

Foolish living can tear down someone’s life but using wisdom and being faithful to the Word can help a godly woman build a life that is centered on God first.

#7 She Keeps an Inner Beauty

1 Peter 3:4 says…

“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

It is possible to pay too much attention to outward appearance. A godly woman knows that her worth is found in God’s view of her, as a precious daughter of the King of kings.

#8 She Keeps from Gossiping or Speaking Ill of Others

Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:11 says…

“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”

Our words can cause great harm, and it is very easy to speak badly about someone to destroy their reputation. A godly woman knows this and only seeks to encourage others.

#9 She Works Hard and Takes Care of Her Home and Family

Proverbs 31:13-15 says…

“She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.”

You are not required to get up at midnight every day, but a godly woman should seek the good of her household and do what she can to support it.

#10 She Recognizes That God is for Her

Judges 4:14 says…

“And Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the LORD go out before you?’”

Deborah was a prophetess who told Barak that he would be the next judge over Israel. She encouraged him and later did her part to defeat the invading enemy. She also gave God all the glory and praise for their victory. She began – as every godly woman should – by recognizing that God goes before them.

#11 She is Faithful to Support and help Other Believers

Ruth 1:16-17 says…

“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.’”

Ruth is a model of godliness for women to follow. She was loyal to God and loyal to her family. Her sweet submission to others and acknowledgment of God’s provision is a shining example of how a woman can trust God in all things.

#12 She Has Faith That Jesus Can Do Anything

Matthew 9:21 says…

“For she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.’”

The woman who suffered from years of bleeding did not speak to Jesus to be healed, but her faith was great enough to trust that He could do it. She was rewarded for her faith and was healed in both body and spirit.

#13 She Is ready and in position to Be Used by God

Luke 1:38 says…

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”

Mary did not understand how she would become pregnant with the Son of God, but she did not question God’s plans. She simply made herself a willing vessel who would do what God asked of her.

#14 She Remains faithful to the Things of God

Luke 2:36-37 says…

“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”

Anna and Simeon are presented as characters who blessed Jesus and His human family at the Temple after He was born. Even though Anna was a widow, she devoted her attention and energies to the things of God, and so was able to recognize the Messiah when He came.

#15 She Helps to Care for Those Who Spread the Gospel

Luke 8:1-3 says…

“Soon afterward He went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”

Many women followed Jesus throughout His ministry, supporting Him and His disciples as they went. A godly woman can do the same for those in her local church.

#16 She Lives Out Her Faith for Jesus

Luke 7:44 and 7:50 says…

“Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair…’ And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”

Jesus recognized the faith and love of the woman who blessed Him with this gift of worship. This act of worship was an act of saving faith.

#17 She Relies on God, Even Through Hard Times

John 11:21-22 says…

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.’”

When Lazarus died, his sisters sought Jesus for healing. Though Jesus would later raise him from the dead, they first had to completely trust that He was the Son of God, and able to do more than they could imagine.

#18 She Is Open to God’s Plans

Acts 16:14-15 says…

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.”

Paul frequently stayed with new believers on his travels. Lydia was a godly woman who opened her home and gave her wealth to support him.

#19 She Helps Others to Become Effective Witnesses for Christ

Acts 18:24-26 says…

“Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

Priscilla and her husband recognized the talents of the young preacher Apollos and provided him with a better understanding of the Gospel. A godly woman can do the same for others that she meets in her church.

#20 She Walks in Love and Obedience to God

2 John 5-6 says…

“And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”

A godly woman lives her life devoted to the love of God, and in obedience to His commandments.

Women played such an important role in biblical history. Read more about them in our Women of the Bible series!

Related: The Story of Deborah in the Bible

Power of Praying Woman Quotes

 “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado

“True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice.” – Billy Graham

“She (my mother) became a warrior far superior to any epic hero. She became a giant on her knees. With a sword in one hand, she battled the enemies of death and disease, and with her other hand stretched toward heaven she kept beseeching God’s help and His mercy.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes 

“Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.” – Elisabeth Elliot

“There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer.” – Beth Moore

“The reality is my prayers do not change God. But I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” – Lysa TerKeurst

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” – Corrie ten Boom

“If your day is hemmed in with prayer, it is less likely to come unraveled.” – Cynthia Lewis

“We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.” – Billy Graham

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” – Martin Luther

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” – Billy Graham

“I firmly believe God continues to answer the prayers of His people even after He has taken them to heaven. Never forget that God is not bound by time the way we are. We see only the present moment; God sees everything. We see only part of what He is doing; He sees it all.” –Billy Graham

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Charles Spurgeon

“If you believe in prayer at all, expect God to hear you. If you do not expect, you will not have. God will not hear you unless you believe He will hear you; but if you believe He will, He will be as good as your faith.” – Charles Spurgeon

“Let no one profess to trust in God, and yet lay up for future wants, otherwise the Lord will first send him to the hoard he has amassed, before He can answer the prayer for more.”  – George Muller

 As Women of God. Your journey is a process. And a discover. It shows us not only the world, but our purpose in it. Painted by our passion, our struggles, our beliefs. The journey brings us face to face with ourselves, our relationships, and reflections. The end of your journey is the beginning of your story.

A Praying Woman Prayer

Father, in the Name of Jesus,

Thank You for the woman reading this prayer right now. Thank You for her heart, her passion, her purpose. May You bless her right now. Fill her with Your incredible peace, and with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Wrap her in Your love. May she feel confident and worthy to be a woman of power, and a woman of prayer. I pray that she would grow closer to You every day.

Place a desire deep within her heart to seek after You, and only You. I pray that she would lead a life by the example Christ set, and that she will win many souls of your kingdom.

May she face everything with courage and strength. May she walk in integrity. Help her with anything she is struggling with, surround her with encouragement, and give her your precious wisdom.

May she walk in the love that was shed in her heart by the Holy Spirit. May she experience joy today in Jesus’ name AMEN!

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