5 Praying Women in the Bible

By Shannon Leibold

Throughout Scripture, praying women in the Bible stand out as powerful examples of faith, courage, and devotion.These women turned to God in desperation, gratitude, and purpose, showing the life-changing power of prayer. Whether pleading for a child, interceding for a nation, or offering praise, their prayers moved the heart of God and shaped history. 

Women in the Bible have a special place in the story of redemption. These women are life-bringers, world-changers and truth-tellers. Each one not only brings warmth, wisdom and grace to relationships, but they also speak truth, engage in good deeds, and nurture the next generation. These mighty women have one thing in common: they are women of prayer. 

While the Bible mentions many women who made a significant impact, a few are remembered for their vibrant prayer lives. Here are five examples of a praying woman in the Bible:

1. A Praying Woman Named Hannah

Hannah was a barren woman who desperately wanted a child. To add to her pain, she was ridiculed and mocked by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, who had no problem bearing children. Every year, she and her family made the pilgrimage to the temple, and there, in her suffering, Hannah turned to God. She poured her heart out, begged for a son, and promised to give him back to the Lord.

First Samuel 1:10-11 says, “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.  And she vowed a vow and said, “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.” Hannah returned home and eventually God answered her prayer, and she gave birth to a precious boy, Samuel. And true to her word, when he was weaned, Hannah gave him back to the Lord in the service of the temple.

Samuel became one of the most influential leaders in Israel.

2. Esther, A Powerful Intercessor

Esther was a young orphan Jewish woman living in a foreign land. Through a series of surprising events, Esther found herself in the king’s harem and was later chosen as the new queen. One of the king’s advisors, the wicked Haman, began plotting to kill all the Jews. While the court didn’t know she was Jewish, Esther knew she was in this position “for such a time as this”. The threat to her people motivated Esther to act

Before approaching the king to plead for her people, she fasted and prayed to God for strength and courage. She also called her fellow Jews to fast and pray. God heard their prayers, and the king spared Esther’s people from annihilation. 

3. Mary, The Mother of God

Mary was a young Jewish woman betrothed to a fine Jewish man. Yet, while she was planning the marriage, God sent an angel to interrupt her life and put her on the path of His divine purposes. God’s messenger,Gabriel, announced that Mary would be the mother of the Messiah. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive and give birth to the very Son of God. Ridicule, scorn, and possible exile confronted her, but she chose to trust in God.

While pregnant, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth and praised God for the miracle growing inside her. Although Scripture doesn’t record much about Mary after Jesus’ birth, we confidently see her as a woman of prayer who raised Him to fulfill God’s plan of salvation

4. Anna the Prophetess

Anna had a hard life. She had been married for only seven years before she became a widow. In a season of intense grief and desperation, Anna made her home at the temple – in the very presence of God. There she spent decades praying and worshiping the Living God. “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 

And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Scripture doesn’t tell us what Anna prayed for, but it shows her as a faithful woman of prayer. The Lord honored her faithfulness by letting her see the Messiah when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple

5. Lydia from Thyatira

While in Philippi, Paul and his companions visited a place of prayer by the river, where several women gathered to pray. On of those women was Lydia, a woman from Thyatira, who was a seller of purple goods. She was a God-fearing woman who was dedicated to prayer and worship. As Paul explained the salvation offered through Jesus, the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to understand the gospel. She responded in faith, along with her whole household. No doubt her faithful prayers led to the saving of her family.

Women who pray make a difference in the lives of those around them. Women who pray impact those around them, moving God’s hand and building His kingdom They stand in faith through adversity, kneel in gratitude, and raise the next generation of believers. A praying woman has an unparalleled influence! Let’s be known as women who are unwaveringly devoted to prayer. 

Let’s ask God to Be a Praying Woman

Father God, we want to be women who call heaven to earth. We ask that You powerfully move in our families, and our communities. Help us to follow the examples of those who have gone before us. Help me be a woman who is devoted to prayer.