The Power of …

1. The Power of … A Praying Woman Women’s Missionary Union Friendship Baptist Church | 2400 Mortensen Pkwy | Ames, IA 50010 First Lady Breanne Ward, Director

2. Focal Scriptures • 1 Samuel 1 • Hannah Pours Out Her Heart to God • Supporting scriptures • Philippians 4:6-7 • Daniel 6;10 • Luke 18:13-14 • Matthew 6:9-13

3. … A Praying Woman • Let’s read 1 Samuel 1: 2-7 • She was at probably the lowest point in her life and desperate for a child. • Point of Reflection: • Have you ever wanted something from God and felt foolish for waiting? • i.e.: maybe others made you feel like it wasn’t going to happen for you or glorified their blessings in front of you… • Has waiting on this thing caused you spiritual, emotional, or physical distress?

4. …A Praying Woman • Hannah would become deeply saddened and wouldn’t eat when faced with the thing she was waiting for. • Some would say that she became depressed • But in 1 Samuel 1:8-10, Hannah gives us the techniques we should use when waiting • V.8: notice she did not respond to her husband • At times people around you think that if you just have this or that you will be fine (i.e.: get a spouse, get a job, get a …). • Hannah knew that her contentment wasn’t in stuff, but In God.

5. …A Praying Woman • Look at verse 9 • Hannah made a sacrifice and then went to pray • Point of Reflection: • Do you ever wonder if God hasn’t blessed you because you haven’t sacrificed anything for him? • i.e.: time, money, people, past hurts • Are you praying before cleansing (ridding) your heart of trash? • i.e.: Hannah probably had pent up feelings toward Peninnah and her husband, Elkanah

6. …A Praying Woman • Let’s read verses 10-18 • Verse 10-11 displays that Hannah got real before God • Verse 12-14 reminds us that there will always be others around questioning your techniques of communing with God • Remember our prayer life is between us and God. Others should not influence how you get before God • Verse 15 also let’s us know that we should let safe people know what is going on • Eli was a priest that Hannah spoke to about her situation • Point of Reflection: • Who are you talking to? Is it hindering the move of God?

7. …A Praying Woman • Verse 17 represents the power of accountability and prayer partners • Eli agreed and lifted up prayer for Hannah • This reminds us that there are people who want to see you blessed • Verse 18 Hannah was feeling the effects of her and Eli’s prayer. • God open the door because Hannah came to Him wholeheartedly; asking, knocking, and seeking Him • Point of Reflection: • Reflect on your prayer life. Are you letting him know everything? • Do you leave prayer feeling anxious or at peace?

8. …A Praying Woman • Here is the pivotal moment: • Verse 19 is when prayer and faith met up • the spiritual promises of God were fulfilled naturally • Verse 20 Hannah received the thing that she prayed for: a son. • Hannah acknowledged God for the blessing and dedicated her son (her thing) back to Him

9. …A Praying Woman • Point of Reflection: • While you wait for your promise to be manifested, can you celebrate and rejoice when others get blessed by God? • It doesn’t mention Penninah in the remaining verses of this chapter, but I would assume she was not that thrilled about Hannah’s blessing. Are you a Penninah?

10. …A Praying Woman • In closing: • We should not be influenced by others or tangible things when in distress • We should cleanse ourselves of things that hinder the move of God • We should get real with God and let safe people know what’s going on. • Once get what we God has promised us, we should give it back God; covering it in Word, prayer, and Jesus’ blood.

11. Invitation to Salvation • Closing Prayer Reminder: WMU 9-10 A.M. Every 2nd Saturday Friendship Baptist Church 515-292-4539 www.fbc-ames.org