Word of Prayer: Power of prayerful woman

By Guest Columnist Jacqueline V. Carson

Over the past months, Canton has had several tragic events due to violence. My spirit has been burdened by the senseless violence, and I have been wondering what can I do to help to reduce it. I began to pray asking God, “What can I do?” God laid it on my heart that I need to pray and ask other women to pray. I was hesitant, but I began moving in faith. As a result, in July, I reached out to a group of women and asked, “Are you willing to come and pray collectively for one hour once a month with me?” Let me tell you, God has brought some powerful praying women warriors. This has been the start of “The Women’s Prayer Hour.” We come together not based on denomination, ethnic background or church affiliation, our common ground is God and His Word.

In Romans 12:12, it says “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be patient in prayer.” The prayer warriors have prayed for the entire city of Canton, including all leadership and staff, families, our children, schools, the health and safety of all citizens, the faith community and women. You may ask why am I asking women to pray, well, let me tell you.

In the Bible in 1 Samuel 1, we read about Hannah, a woman who lived with her husband, his other wife Penninah and their children. At that time, Hannah was barren, bullied, and broken; however she was a woman of strong faith. Hannah desperately wanted to have a son. However, God would not allow it at that time, because he had greater plans. Hannah turned to God and prayed for a son. She promised God that if he would give her a son, she would give him back to him. God blessed Hannah with a son, Samuel, and when he was about three, Hannah gave him back to God. Samuel became a prophet and a judge over Israel. He was instrumental in the establishment of Israel’s monarchy and anointed David as King. Through David’s lineage, we have received our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Hannah’s story, we see that the prayer she prayed changed the course of history; it saved Israel. If Hannah could pray to God and he gave her a son, we can collectively pray for this city and see the manifestation of great things to come.

Powerful things happen when women pray. We have the ear of God, and he listens and responds. When a woman prays, she fortifies the armor of God around herself, her family and anyone who she prays for. This is the reason why I ask women to pray. Now we know God gave Hannah Samuel, how do we not know that our modern-day Samuel is among us in Canton. We as women must do as Hannah did; she humbly approached God, prayed and continued to believe. Come pray and believe with me.

I am inviting ALL women in Canton and surrounding areas to join us on the third Saturday of each month at Grace Episcopal Church at 161 E. Peace Street. We meet from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. If you are a prayer warrior who believes that God can do miraculous things for our city and want to pray, contact me at [email protected] or 630-661-6056.