The Bible is filled with women who turned to prayer in times of need. There is so much we can learn from these women of faith. Women like Hannah, Mary, and Esther have prayed and received answers from God. 

Women have played an important role in the bible. We can learn many things from these women such as faith and devotion to God. The question we all have is – what are the characteristics of a praying woman?

I can’t help but feel inspired to have a much deeper relationship with God after reading about these women of faith. 

And one thing for sure is that there is a need for praying women. In the workplace, home, politics, education, and even healthcare.

Let’s get into what makes these women’s prayers so effective.

Why Should Women Pray Always?

From the Old to the New Testament, prayer has always been mentioned. You can find multiple prayers in the bible. 

The word of God says that we must watch and pray so that we won’t fall into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

Because of the importance of prayer, we see Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray and numerous examples of people praying in the bible.

When a woman prays she puts on the whole armor of God and goes to the throne room of grace asking for mercy for her family. She’s always standing in the gap for a loved one!

My prayer is that we understand the power in our tongue. Remember that Peter 5:8 tells us to be alert and sober for the enemy prowls around looking for someone to devour. 

Who was the first woman in the bible to pray?

It wouldn’t do justice to list all the praying women of the bible without showing some love to the first woman who started it all.

The first woman recorded praying in the Bible is Hannah. Hannah, a woman of great faith desired to have a son because she was barren.

She prayed to God and her request was answered. She gave birth to Samuel – a prophet.

1 Samuel 1: 20 (NIV) – So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him.

Who are all the Praying Women Of The Bible?

Throughout the Bible, you find women who pray passionately and have strong faith even amid difficulties. They understood the meaning of prayer and that having a constant relationship with God is their strength. 

Here is a list of all the praying women of the bible to be inspired by:

  1. Sarah
  2. Jochebed
  3. Miriam
  4. Rahab
  5. Deborah
  6. Ruth
  7. Hannah
  8. Abigail
  9. Esther
  10. Mary, the mother of Jesus
  11. Elizabeth
  12. Anna, the prophetess
  13. The Woman with Issue of Blood
  14. Mary of Bethany
  15. Mary Magdalene
  16. The Canaanite Woman
  17. Lydia
  18. Priscilla

Now, let’s talk about the characteristics of these praying women and how to apply them to our lives.

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Sarah

Characteristics: Faithful, and Obedient

Scripture reference: Genesis 18:11-15

Sarah is a prime example of a praying woman. She was known to be a woman of faith. Look at what the Word of God says about her:

Hebrews 11:11(NIV)– And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.

There is no way you can have faith without being prayerful. Because of her faithfulness, God grant her a son in her old age. This is a reminder to never give up on the promises of God.

Jochebed

Characteristics: Faith, Brave, and Resourceful

Scripture Reference: Exodus 2-1:10

Jochebed was the mother of Moses. If you can recall, Moses was the one who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

Jochebed means “Jehovah is Glorious”, this tells us that she is a woman of faith. In Hebrews 11:23, it states 

Hebrews 11:23 (NIV) By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the King’s edict.

Based on this woman’s action we know that this is also a woman of prayer. She knew the calling on Moses’ life and hid him in a basket of reeds in the Nile River.

Jochebed had to believe that God would protect her child. That takes prayer! As a mother, you’ll understand this isn’t an easy task.

Miriam

Characteristics: Leadership and Responsibility

Scripture Reference: Exodus 15:15-20

Miriam is Moses’ sister and a prophetess who was well-known in Israel. She leads the women of Israel in a joyous celebration of praise and worship to God for their deliverance.

When we think about women leaders of the bible, Miriam is one.  For the position she held, Miriam had to be prayerful. As a prophetess, she spoke forth the counsel of God and walked with Him.

Rahab

Characteristics: Faith, Vision, Loyalty

Scripture reference: Joshua 2:8-14

Rahab is one of the five women named in the genealogy of Christ. Her story is one to admire. It shows us that God can use anyone regardless of background once they believe in him.

Rahab is known for her courage. She protected the Israelite spies in Jericho, risking her own life to do so. Can you imagine that?

Hebrews 11:31 (NIV) – By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

James 2:25 (NIV) – In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

Rahab’s actions showcase her willingness to trust in God and take bold steps to align herself with His people. This led to her salvation and a story of redemption.

Because of prayer and love for God, though she was a prostitute her sins were forgiven.

Deborah

Characteristics: Courageous, Noble, Leader and Servant

Scripture reference: Judges 4:4-10

A prophetess and Judge of Israel. From Deborah’s responsibility, we can tell that she is a woman of prayer.

The Hebrew origin of Deborah means “bee” or “one who speaks well”.

For her to lead the Israelites, she needed Wisdom and discernment. And this only comes through having a relationship with God. A woman being a judge in those days is greatly commendable – as this honor is usually given to men. 

What can we learn from Deborah? Deborah is an example of someone who uses her influence to inspire everyone around her and not just her family. She was able to communicate and lead her people to victory. 

Only a person woman who lives a prayerful life can have such an impact on a nation.

Ruth

Characteristics: Loyal, Hardworking, Self-less and Loving

Scripture reference: Ruth 1:16-17

This young gentile widow is the great-grandmother of King David. But how did she get there?

Here is a short story:

You can not talk about Ruth without Naomi. Naomi with her husband and two sons, left Bethlehem because of famine and went to a country called Moab.

While in Moab, her sons married two Moabite women named Oprah and Ruth. However, tragedy struck again and Naomi lost her husband and her sons. 

She decided to return home to Bethlehem and Ruth insisted on going with her mother-in-law. Ruth knew that Naomi would be alone and have no help in her old age. And this is where we see the heart of Naomi.

Ruth 1:16 (NIV)- But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

This shows the love and loyalty she had for Naomi. She was willing to give up her traditions and everything for an uncertain future to serve God.

Based on the ending, we know she made the right decision.

Abigail

Characteristics: Wise, Humble, Kind, Understanding

Scripture reference: 1 Samuel 25

There are not many details in the background of Abigail but we cannot ignore the quality of a woman she was.

Abigail was known as an intelligent and beautiful woman who married a man named Nabal. Her husband is very mean, foolish, and a drunkard.

Because of her wisdom, she prevents David from taking revenge and destroying all Nabal had. 

You have to recognize the position that Abigail was put in was difficult. She was married to a very evil man who treated others unkindly. Yet she does everything in her power to protect her husband.

Because of her exceptional quality, she eventually became one of King David’s wives. 

Esther

Characteristics: Humility, Wisdom, Perseverance

Scripture reference: Esther 4:15-16

My younger sister loves the story of Esther. Esther is known for this remarkable famous declaration, “If I perish, I perish!” that gives women the courage to face every challenge.

Esther was a queen who risked her life for the Jewish people and saved the nation. The story of Esther reminds us that God can elevate you from rags to riches.

Before Esther became queen she was a poor Jewish orphan. But even in that position, she was selfless. Esther prayerfully combined with fasting protects the people of God. 

Mary, the mother of Jesus

Characteristics: Obedient, Prayerful, Humble, Submissive

Scripture reference: Luke 1:46-55; Acts 1:14

I believe there are so many things we can learn from Mary. She was given the honor of becoming the mother of the son of God. 

For God to entrust her with such a task, Mary had to be a woman of prayer. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she accepted everything without question.

This shows how much she trusts God and is willing to be obedient. Mary was one of the one hundred and twenty who tarried in prayer in the upper room.

Acts 1:14 (NIV) – They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Her dedication to prayer is an inspiration to all women.

Elizabeth

Characteristics: Humilthy, Devotion, Gratitude

Scripture reference: Luke 1: 39-45

Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist. A descendant of Aaron, the high priest. Her name signifies “God is my oath”. 

To emphasize what kind of woman Elizabeth is and her husband, let’s look at this scripture:

Luke 1:6 (NIV) Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

Even though Elizabeth was blameless before God, she had her fair share of problems. She found herself barren and to many, they couldn’t understand. At the time, barrenness could be a sign of God’s disapproval.

But that didn’t stop her from being devoted to God. And the Lord answered her prayer and blessed her with a son.

Anna, the Prophetess

Characteristics: Devoted, Prayer Warrior

Scripture reference: Luke 2:36-38

A prophetess and a woman of prayer. Anna dedicated her life to serving God in the temple, fasting, worshiping, and praying day and night.

Because of her life of prayer, she could identify the Messiah when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple. Many people didn’t recognize that the Messiah was in their midst but she did

Let us start living a life of prayer and devotion to God!

The Women With The Issue of Blood

Characteristics: Perseverance, Courage, and Determination

Bible Reference: Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48

This woman had an ailment for 12 years. She spent all her money to get well but only got worse. In her desperation, she decided to have faith in Jesus for her healing.

Many of us can relate to this woman. She refused to accept her condition and instead believed in God.

The word of God said she pushed through the crowd believing that if she could touch the hem of his clothing she would be made well. Guess what? Because of her faith, she was healed.

What can we learn from this woman? Prayer and faith go hand in hand. Also, don’t wait until everything falls apart before you start praying.

Mary of Bethany

Characteristics: Worshipper, Love, Humilthy, Faith

Bible reference: Luke 10:39-42, John 11:1-45, 12:3-8

Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. They had a very close relationship with Jesus. Mary is highlighted in the scripture for prioritizing spending time with God over worldly things in Luke 10:38-42.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:38-42 (emphasis mine)

Mary recognized the importance of connecting with Jesus and being devoted to His words.

Another story that speaks highly of Mary being a woman of prayer is in John 12:1-8. This is when she anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, wiping them with her hair. Mary knows how to worship and honor God.

This is a reminder to make God the center of our life.

Mary Magdalene

Characteristics: Devoted, Obedient, Seeker

Scripture Reference: Luke 8:2-3, Matthew 27:56,61, Mark 15:40, 16:1-9, John 19:25, 20:1-18

Another Mary but this one is Mary Magdalene. After she was healed and delivered she followed Jesus village to village. 

Because of her love and devotion to God, she followed him to the cross, and after he died. This shows how much she loves and dedication to Jesus.

The Canaanite woman refers to a woman who appears in the New Testament of the Bible. She is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

She was even granted the privilege to witness Jesus’s resurrection.

The Canaanite Woman

Characteristics: Persistence, Faith, Humility

Bible reference: Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30

This woman is known for her perseverance when seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter from Jesus. She heard that Jesus was performing many miracles and she was determined to get her daughter well.

Matthew 15:22 (NIV) A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.

At first, Jesus appeared to overlook her, yet she remained determined in her plea. Eventually, Jesus recognized her unwavering faith and fulfilled her heartfelt desire, saying:

Matthew 15:28 (NIV) Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

This story highlights the woman’s strong faith and perseverance in Jesus despite being a Gentile.

Lydia

Characteristics: Faithful, Influential, Hospitable

Bible reference: Acts 16: 14-40

Lydia is the perfect example of someone who can be successful in business and still serve God. She is said to be the first European convert.

Lydia was a hardworking businesswoman, yet she still prioritized spending time with God. The Word of God refers to her as a worshipper.

Acts 16:14 (NIV) One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Lydia played an important role in the early Church by helping monetarily. Because of her obedience to God, she and her household were baptized.

Priscilla

Characteristics: Supportive, Hospitable, Team worker

Scripture reference: Acts 18:2-26, Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19

Priscilla is mentioned more than once throughout the New Testament alongside her husband. They were supporters of Paul and aided in his ministry.

Priscilla and her husband preached the gospel and had church in their home. We even see in Acts 18:24-26, that they mentored a man named Apollos and taught him about the truth regarding Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Priscilla was a good woman who supported her husband and helped to spread the Good News. She is what you’ll call a Proverbs 31 woman.  Because of her close association with Paul and her love for God, we know she is a woman of prayer. 

Bottomline

So there you have it – the praying women of the bible. There are many things that we can learn from these women. From perseverance, and faith to humility. Studying the bible and praying are essential for building an intimate relationship with God. If you don’t know where to begin, check out the things you must thank God.

praying women in the bible