Divine Purpose In Prayer

So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head (1 Samuel 1:9-11).

When one lacks the understanding of the reason for purpose to everything we seek for in prayer, the results are seen in unanswered prayers.

For years, Hannah cried to God for a child because she was the victim of Peninnah’s bitter mockery (1 Samuel 1:7). For a long time, her prayer did not yield any results until it changed from asking for a child to asking for a man child whom she would dedicate to the Lord all the days of his life. That’s remarkable!

Often times, we present the wrong reasons for the things we so dearly desire the Lord to do for us. Do you want a spouse in order to prove that you too can ‘catch a man’? Do you want a child to prove that you aren’t barren? Why do you want what you’re asking God to do for you? Examine yourself!

Where is divine purpose in your desires? If the things you seek God for are to satisfy your own selfish lusts, you’re asking amiss and that is the reason you do not receive (James 4:3).

For example, your desire for a job should be more than the need for money to feed yourself and your family BUT an opportunity to serve God in the workplace. Your desire for a spouse should be more than the craving to bear children BUT an avenue to advance the Kingdom of God and the vision of Christ. Do you have this kind of consciousness, child of God?

Like the prayer of purpose opened Hannah’s womb, let divine purpose fuel your desires. Align your prayer to the plans, purposes and will of God.