The Power of a Praying Woman
A praying woman understands the need to pray, hence, she lives a life of prayer: She continues in prayer. To her, praying is ‘second nature’. Her life of prayer results from her knowing her God and not merely knowing about God. Her knowledge of God comes from her having an intimate relationship with Him. A relationship that is nurtured by the Word and worship in ‘The Secret Place’. It is in ‘The Secret Place’ she obtains her power as the Most Powerful One – “the same Power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in her” (Romans 8:11). In Luke 9:1, “Jesus called together the twelve [apostles] and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases”. He told them in Luke 10:19, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you”. This same power and authority is available to us today and a praying woman takes a hold of them. As a result, she experiences the manifestations of her prayers. Daniel 11:32b tells us “…but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].” She knows “…what things so ever she desires, when she prays, believes (trusts and be confident) that she receives them, and she shall have them” (Mark 11:24). Smith Wigglesworth in a sermon on this Scripture made a statement so profound that ignited my desires. He said, “Desire towards God, and you will have desires from God; and He will meet you on the line of those desires when you reach out in simple faith. A praying woman desires towards God and has desires from God and He meets her on the lines of those desires when she reaches out in simple faith. Therein lays the ‘Power of a Praying Woman’.
A praying woman prays the Word by faith. She is aware that “without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exist and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]” (Hebrews 11:6). She understands the Word in Luke 17:6 which says, “And the Lord answered, If ye have faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree. Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.”
A praying woman seeks wisdom as James 1:5-8 encourages. She asks in faith with no wavering (no hesitation, no doubting). For she knows if she wavers she will not receive any thing from the Lord. This wisdom is to apply the knowledge she receives from God.
A praying woman has the spirit of Discernment. Discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the source of a spiritual manifestation and determine whether it is of God, the devil, or man. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. The spirit of discernment protects and guards her Christian life.
A praying woman lives a righteous life. Therefore, because of her life style God has no choice but to honour her prayers. For “…the earnest (heartfelt, continues) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]” (James 5:16b).
A praying woman is a worshiper. She understands that worship prepares her for an outpouring of the Spirit in her as an individual, in the Church and in the nations. She realises that she will never get her work right until she gets her worship right. This means that effective service is rooted in a heart that is overflowing with love for the Lord. Her aim in worship is to please God – nothing more, nothing less, (to put a smile on God’s face). To give Him pleasure and joy as He sees His child giving Him His rightful place in her life. She is a true worshipper for her worship springs from deep within the heart and is expressed in her relationship with God and also with others. Thus, it actually affects everything she does – in church life and outside it. She worships God and works out that worship by loving others. She knows if she is critical or negative with others, she is not really expressing her worship to God.
A praying woman’s prayer is not affected by: Fear, for she knows that “…God did not give her a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given her a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7); doubt; unbelief and worry. These are indications of possessing little faith which is not a characteristic of a praying woman. Therefore, her prayers are effective and demonstrate great power.
A praying woman knows when it is necessary to fast. Not only from food but from every and anything that will clog her soul and spirit and prevent her from accomplishing all that God has destined for her. She understands that it is only by prayer and fasting that some wars are going to be won (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29). For this reason, she “throws off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for her” (Hebrews 12:1).
Her motive in prayer is not selfish but that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son (John 14:13).
Can you truly say today that you are a praying woman? Then let us join forces as praying women and travail for our families, friends, associates, the Church, leaders and the systems of the world.
