“God’s Purpose in Prayer”     1 Samuel 1:5-18       

Volumes have been written on the topic of prayer.  “Pray” or “Prayer” is mentioned 547 times in the Bible, depending on the version of scripture.  All the great men and women of God were prayer warriors. I think of the influential men and women in my life where all people of prayer.  Jesus Himself demonstrated in scripture the importance and priority of prayer. 

But, if God is sovereign, and He is, then why does He need our prayers?  What is really at the heart of prayer?  We know it’s not like a “genie” in the bottle, giving us our three wishes - because our prayers aren’t always answered favorably, humanly speaking.  But God desires our prayers, our communion with Him.  It is hard to understand how a Sovereign God choses to work His purpose through His people via prayer - but He does. But ultimately, prayer actually changes us, and draws us closer to God - which I believe is the greater purpose of God’s purpose in prayer.

I’ve journeyed now in my daily reading from the book of Ruth and into first and second Samuel.  So much to glean from God’s word - will take a life time to take it all in.  We never fully master the word, but by God’s continued grace and mercy, His word will master us!  God’s word and His spirit go together as we journey through this life and into the one to come.  His spirit communes with us via His word and prayer.  Yes life is hard at times, but God is right here with us even in our heartache.  Naomi in the book of Ruth had felt her God had abandoned her, as expressed “I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty.”  Hanna knew heartache too [cf. 1 Sam.1]. But she poured out her heart to God instead of accusing Him, as expressed “…she was bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.”  Same God. Same faith.  Both experienced heartache and bitterness.  Their response.  One blamed God - one cried out to God.  There are many examples in God’s word and in our own lives how God seemly answers some prayers favorable and not others - regardless, don’t give up on God!  Keep reading His word - hanging onto His promises!  Keep praying “His will be done!”  Keep assembling together in the house of God.  Keep focused on the ‘Great Commission.’  By God’s grace let’s be part of the hero’s of faith that Hebrews speaks of, “these all died in faith, not having received the promises…but now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country…He has prepared a city for them.”

Pastor Rodney