Top Examples of Praying Women in the Bible

The Bible is packed with powerful stories of women who prayed and changed the course of history. Some women in the Bible are so renowned for their prayer lives that they have become symbols of prayer itself. 

By learning from these Biblical prayer warriors, we can enhance our prayer lives, connect with God profoundly, and change the world around us. The power isn't in the prayer – but in the One who hears and answers us.

Who are these praying women? Let's take a closer look.

Who Were All the Praying Women of the Bible?

While the Bible mentions many women who have made a significant impact, a few are especially known for the prayers they lifted to God in challenging times. Here are five examples of a praying woman in the Bible:

1. Hannah

Hannah was a woman who desperately wanted a child but could not conceive. She was ridiculed and mocked by her husband's other wife, Peninnah, which only added to her pain. But, 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. God answered her prayer, and she eventually gave birth to Samuel – one of the most influential leaders in Israel.

2. Esther

Esther was a young Jewish woman who found herself in the king's harem after her parents died and was later chosen as the new queen. While the court didn’t know she was Jewish, she was forced to act when one of the king's advisors began plotting to kill all Jews. She prayed to God for strength before approaching the king to plead for her people. God heard her prayers, and the king spared Esther's people from genocide.

3. Deborah

Deborah was a prophetess and judge in Israel during the time that the Canaanites were oppressing the country. She called on Barak, a military leader, to lead an army against the Canaanites. Barak refused to go without her, so Deborah went with him and prayed for their success. They were victorious in battle, saving Israel from the invaders.

4. Rahab

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho that helped the Israelites infiltrate the city. She hid the spies Joshua sent to observe Jericho before starting a battle against the city, risking her life in the process. Rahab did this because she had heard about the God of the Israelites and wanted to be on His side. When Jericho was destroyed, Rahab's family was spared. She would later become an ancestor of Jesus.

5. Mary, Mother of God

Mary was a young woman engaged to be married when she learned she would give birth to the Son of God. She was faced with ridicule and scorn, but she chose to trust in God despite it all. When her son, Jesus Christ, was born, Mary cherished and raised Him to fulfill God's plan of salvation.

Which Woman Prayed for Her Husband?

It's not only women in leadership positions who prayed in the Bible, though there are many examples. Everyday women also played a role in God's plan throughout history.

One example is the woman in the Bible who prayed for a husband, Abigail. Abigail was married to a man named Nabal, who was rude and hateful. One day, David and his men passed through the area where Nabal lived, asking for food and water. Nabal refused to help them, even though it was customary to provide for travelers this way.

Nabal's refusal angered David, and he sent his men to kill him. When Abigail learned of David's plan, she sprung into action, preparing enormous amounts of food and gifts and pursuing David on a donkey. As soon as she saw him, she fell on her face and delivered the most humble and heartfelt plea to spare her husband's household:

"’Pardon your servant, my lord…Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name – his name means Fool, and folly goes with him…And now, my lord, as surely as the Lord your God lives and as you live, since the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal.” (1 Samuel 25:24-26)

Abigail continued to ask for forgiveness, emphasizing her wish that God protect David and give him victory:

“The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live…When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself…'" (1 Samuel 25:28, 30-31)

By God's grace, David listened. He said to Abigail, “‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands…’” (1 Samuel 25:32-33)

Abigail’s pleas to God and David spared Nabal's life. When Nabal died soon after, Abigail became David's wife, and she played a significant role in the history of Israel.

Why Were Their Prayers Important?

Prayer isn’t a tool for Christians to control God. Instead, it’s a God-given way for us to converse and plead with God. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with Him and gain strength and wisdom in the process.

Here are five lessons Christians can learn from these notable women’s prayers:

1. Pray for God's Will to Be Done

Pray with the intent to accomplish God’s will, similar to how Hannah and Deborah prayed. In Hannah’s prayer, she said, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life." (1 Samuel 1:11)

2. Pray to Intercede for Others

Deborah interceded for Israel when the Canaanites were oppressing them, Hannah interceded for a child God would use, and Abigail interceded for her rude husband. When Christians pray for others, they join hearts with God, align their wishes with His will, and witness His power at work.

3. Pray with Humility 

Praying isn't about having a loud, demanding voice. Instead, it's about becoming humble and acknowledging His sovereignty and lordship. The more humble Christians are, the more they'll see God's power working in everyone’s lives.

4. Pray with Faith

Each woman in this post prayed with faith, believing that God would answer their prayers in His own time and in His own way. When Christians pray, they should do so with faith that God will answer their prayers. Humans have no control over the outcome, but they can have a relationship with the One who has.

5. Pray with Persistence

Hannah prayed for a son for many years before God answered her prayer, Deborah fought for Israel even when it seemed like there was no hope, and Abigail pleaded for her husband endlessly. When Christians pray, they should do so with the same persistence, committing and trusting that God has the power to do anything.

Faith in the One Who Answers Prayers

Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given to strengthen us, deepen our relationship with Him, and allow us to play a role in His plans. As we study the stories of these praying women in the Bible, we can see how God worked in their hearts and transformed them into strong, powerful women that all of us can learn from today.