Praying for growth in prayer

A Word of Hope by Susie Pek, Regional Coordinator for Latin America

Prayer is one of my greatest passions in life! I remembered I was drawn to TWR Women of Hope ministry because prayer has always been such a vital part of it. When it comes to prayer there are many things that I love and one of them is what Oswald Chambers, author of the devotional ‘My Utmost for His Highest’, says about it: “Prayer is not preparation for the work; Prayer is the work!” Prayer does change things! In the inspiring story of a real-life woman on the Old Testament we see three important aspects of prayer.   

Hannah was a woman who experienced God’s power because of her prayer. In 1 Samuel 1 we read about her. She was loved by her husband, but she was childless! In those days not being able to have kids was a very shameful thing for a woman. She wanted children so badly. She really hurt inside, but not even her husband could understand that pain.  But she knew someone who was able to know exactly how she felt, and she trusted Him with her tears. She knew He would neither rebuke her nor tell her to stop crying. She knew He was the only one she could turn to, so in verse 10 we read: “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly!" The priest that was nearby rebuked her thinking she was drunk, but she replied: “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord!” I just love seeing how free Hannah felt in the presence of the Lord. She knew prayer is about relationship. When we pray, we enjoy the privilege of talking to our heavenly Father. It is not only about asking, but about relating to our Savior. About telling Him our thoughts, fears, desires, and feelings. It is about being completely honest to Him as she was.  

I also love the fact that as she prayed for a son God aligned her heart to pray according to His will and she made a vow to the Lord saying:  “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” Hannah wanted a son but had no idea her son would be one of the greatest prophets Israel ever had!  

Hannah pours out her heart to the Lord, the priest blesses her, she goes home, and the bible says: “…and the Lord remembered her. So, in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” Hannah was overjoyed with this special gift and the name of the Lord was glorified! Everybody knew Samuel was a miracle, a present from the Almighty God! 

So, as we approach God’s throne may we be encouraged to know that as we relate to Him, he aligns our hearts to pray according to His will, and the answer to our prayers will bring glory to His name!