Women in Prayer
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Prayer is an important part of every believer’s life and vital to our relationship with the Lord. Women in Prayer was developed by Pat Cleveland and Karen Adams as a way to bring together the women of SWBIBLE to pray for and with each other. We reached out to both Karen and Pat and asked them to answer some questions about prayer.
Karen Adams
What does prayer mean to you? Why is prayer important as a Christian?
Prayer is my lifeline. Prayer is a privilege. As a Christian, we are called to pray. Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 states, “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We see Jesus’ example of how He went and prayed in the garden before His crucifixion and how He prayed for us in John 18. If it was important for Jesus to pray, how much more for us.
How does prayer strengthen your relationship with God?
It strengthens my relationship because it is a time I can come before my Savior, Creator, and Sustainer. A time I am reminded of what He has done for me, and what He desires for me. I can cry out with my hurts, and I know He hears me. He knows me better than I know myself, and He still loves me. That strengthens me!
Why is it important to pray with community?
I think when we pray as a community it strengthens us. There is much strength in many voices. It is a time we can see we are not alone in our struggles, a time we can encourage each other.
What is your advice for when God answers our prayers in a way we did not expect?
I think of the lyrics to the song we were taught in Sunday School, “Trust and obey, there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” He has not answered all my prayers in a way I thought would be best, but I can honestly say that it was through those times that I grew in the Lord in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. All this to say, I don’t like to go through hard times, but I have to constantly remind myself that He is God and I am not!
I guess my advice would be to hold on and watch what He does!
Why did you want to start “Women in Prayer”?
I have to give that credit to Pat. She attended a couple prayer times at my house, and she wanted to start one at the church and with the Women's Ministry supporting us, it got started.
In what ways has a prayer group been a blessing to you?
I have been encouraged in so many ways. To have your home filled with prayer is such a blessing, I can’t even explain. Hearing other women’s hearts for the Lord, their struggles, their thankfulness, it is such a beautiful thing. Anytime we set apart a time of just focusing on Jesus; it is the best.
Pat Cleveland
What does prayer mean to you? Why is prayer important as a Christian?
Prayer increases my hope and awe of God. Hope when my prayers are answered, regardless of how I wanted and awe that such a holy God would hear me, let alone answer. As a believer—my faith and hope strengthens and teaches me to wait on God’s providence.
How does prayer strengthen your relationship with God?
As I’ve mentioned, every time I see a prayer answered, my faith strengthens. Often I chuckle when I don’t get what I prayed for, only to see God clearly had a different idea/course.
When I decided to sell my house, there was only one place I wanted to buy, but several were for sale in other areas. I decided to buy and ended up next to believers that watch over me and teach me to not be so stubborn and independent but rather accept their love. Now, since I’ve sold and moved, there has been a house for sale posted in the community where I originally wanted to move, but didn’t. I laugh at God’s clear instruction to me that He’s got my walk planned, and independent as I am, He is stronger and more wise.
Why is it important to pray in community?
One, it creates a bond. Two, I hear what others are asking. Three, I learn how to pray in a way I hadn’t that helps my personal prayer life.
What is your advice for when God answers our prayers in a way we did not expect?
Being in the Word helps me understand God’s will for me may not, and often is not what I wanted. The result is that I – at some point in time – can see His will has other purposes for me.
Why did you want to start 'Women in Prayer'?
I feel I’m inadequate at praying out loud and starting a prayer group would help me grow. Listening to other women who are walking with the Lord gives me a feeling of a strong bond relationship with God.
In what ways has a prayer group been a blessing to you?
I’ve heard prayers from the Word that encourage me in my walk with the Lord. As I listen to others pray, there is a sweetness knowing Christ is among us and a sense of closeness to women who’ve been examples to me.
