February 28th Bible Study: Power of Prayer as demonstrated in the book of 1 Samuel

Good Friday Evening, Readers (if you’re reading this the day it’s posted). If you are reading this on the day it’s posted, it’s the last day of February. I’ve been facing a lot of financial and otherwise crazy things this month, that’s why I wanted to take today to highlight the bible verse that inspired me the most.

“The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he’s handing you to us on a platter!” 1 Samuel 17:46-47

I remember learning this story vividly in Sunday school as well as vacation bible school. And this part of the story always captured my heart. In it, David is simultaneously praying and casting intention into the world by giving himself an opportunity to take down a giant with nothing more than a sling and some rocks.

The Power of Hannah’s Prayer

While we’re on the subject of empowerment through prayer, let’s look at a strong female character in the bible: Hannah! I love Hannah. She manifested and she sent praise into the world through prayer. I just want to shine a light on one of her prayers.

“I’m bursting with God-news! I’m walking on air. I’m laughing at my rivals. I’m dancing in my salvation.” – 1 Samuel 2:1

Girlboss energy.

What do these stories teach us?

Both David and Hannah demonstrate the transformative power of prayer. They didn’t just ask God for help—they had complete faith that God would answer their resolve. They remind us three very important things:

1. Sometimes the only thing you can do to overcome life’s obstacles is to have all the faith that it will turn out.
2. Prayer is not just asking for the universe, or God (or whatever you call the divine) for something, it’s declaring victory that it will work in your favor.
3. When we align ourselves with the divine, we can celebrate boldly and without apology.

I hope you all found more understanding about how prayer works through my bible study tonight. I’d like to send off the month of February with a question: Which bible stories have empowered you the most?