Recorded prayers declaring a woman’s heart
Fifth of a 6-part teaching series
by Diann Noles
It has often been said that women predominantly use a different region of their brain than men – the part that controls emotion. According to research, while men in general tend to be “conquerors,” seeing primarily what is in front of them and planning their path accordingly, women tend to see “the big picture” and respond in a more emotional, “hands on” way.
While certainly not everyone falls into these patterns, it is one explanation why women tend to be the ones who write the majority of non-business letters, thank-you notes, and keep diaries.
Perhaps this is why proportionately more prayers are recorded in the Bible by women than by men (with the exception of David and Jesus), although men play a greater role in recorded events. These prayers or “songs” were not just for personal reasons, but were given on behalf of the nation as well.
The first prayer recorded was given by Miriam who gave thanks to the Lord for the entire Israelite nation after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:21). Next is Deborah’s prayer in Judges 5:1-31 after Barak defeated the Canaanite army under the command of Sisera. She starts her prayer with thanksgiving to the Lord for the nation: “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord!” (Judges 5:2)
Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prayed twice. Not yet blessed with children, Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord with a vow: “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.” (1 Samuel 1:11)
Hannah’s second recorded prayer was in thanksgiving to her first answered prayer, when God blessed her with Samuel. Fulfilling her vow, she took Samuel to the temple to return him to the Lord. It is apparent in her prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 that she knows God had not only answered her earlier prayer, but intended to use her son in a special “anointed” way. Little did she know her son would crown not one king, but two!
Perhaps the most well-known prayer by a woman is recorded in Luke 1:46-55. Known as The Magnificat, this beloved and often quoted prayer is a song of praise by Mary, the mother of Jesus. In it, she not only praises God for His protection and providence, but also for His provision of a Savior, God’s own Son. Like most Israelites at the time, Mary still believed this meant an overthrow of the current restrictive government, but she also remembered the promises given by God Almighty to Abraham and his descendants.
There were many other women in the Bible who undoubtedly prayed both on their own behalf and for the nation, but for reasons unknown, these prayers have not been recorded. Perhaps some of them were like Esther who, you’re told, prayed and fasted for three days before presenting herself before the king of Persia on behalf of her people. Perhaps her prayers were too distraught and lengthy to record, and yet you are told she did pray! As a result, God intervened; her people were saved, and within just a few years were allowed to return to their own lands.
All of these women knew not only the power of prayer, but also the importance of recording both prayers and answers to prayer. All knew the benefits of prayer would reach far beyond their own lifetimes, inspiring others to cry out to the Lord in times of need as well as with thanksgiving. All strong, courageous women, they offer today’s woman a pattern of reliance on the Almighty rather than reliance on self. They also demonstrate yet again God’s love, mercy and grace through answered prayer.
This Christmas season, as you reflect on what has passed and what lies ahead both personally and for the nation, use these examples to guide you in your own prayer time. Consider writing down the things on your heart that are burdening you in a prayer journal, and record the answers as God provides them. Be patient and, most importantly, don’t forget to give Him praise!
Diann Noles is a former editor and writer for Christian publications in Tucson, AZ and Portland, OR. She now serves as Public Relations Director for a major Christian non-profit organization. She and her husband Bill live in Tucson, AZ and have two sons and three grandchildren.