Pinnacle Leaders Podcast: How to Pray for Your Miracle (Part I)

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

ABOUT THE EPISODE

There’s no secret formula when it comes to prayer, but if you’re looking for a miracle, Hannah gives us a solid example to follow in the book of 1 Samuel. It starts with authenticity, and in today’s episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to cry out to God with all your pain and brokenness, trusting that he can make the impossible possible.

ABOUT DR. RANDAL S. LANGLEY

Dr. Randal S. Langley is the President of Christian Life School of Theology Global (CLSTG), a world leader in theological and leadership education, providing online degree programs and customized Christian higher-education solutions for churches, ministries and other organizations. Dr. Langley is also president of the International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries and is a founding partner and certified life coach, teacher, and trainer for the John C. Maxwell Team. His desire is to help people fulfill their ultimate purpose in life and achieve their God-given dreams.

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Hannah was one of two women married to a man named Elkanah. For many years she was unable to have children, which led Elkanah’s other wife to taunt her and make fun of her. Year after year, Hannah was reduced to tears over her barrenness and the ridicule that came with it.

Deep in anguish, Hannah sought the Lord in prayer, and there are a few insights we can extract from her encounter with God.

1. Be authentic in prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-11)

Hannah was bitter over her situation, but she wasn’t toxic. It’s important to remember that nothing grows in a toxic environment. She did not deny the reality of her situation; instead, she approached God with all her pain and sorrow and asked him for a miracle.

God loves to move where man says it’s impossible. Don’t ever let anyone convince you that your situation is too hard for God.

Look for Part II of this series, where we’ll discuss two more elements of Hannah’s prayer: tenacity and surrender.

Subscribe to the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast with Dr. Langley to listen to this episode and others for more Biblical wisdom on the areas of lordship, leadership and lifestyle.

RELATED RESOURCES

• Questions of Faith I: Fact and Faith (BT850) – This study considers the major questions of this philosophy of religion: Does God exist? If God is all-powerful and all-good, why is there suffering? Is there life after death? Become aware of the various religious and philosophical issues confronting us today and gain proven reasoning techniques when approaching major questions.
• Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians (NT610) – This course teaches the overarching content of the Epistle to the Colossians, the character of the man who authored it, the circumstances in which he wrote, and the key spiritual truths and principles Colossians opens. Students will see this epistle as personal, practical and prophetic—urging us to focus on Christ and heavenly things.

QUOTES & SCRIPTURE TO REMEMBER

• “Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: ‘O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.’” — 1 Samuel 1:10-11
• “Things don’t grow in toxic environments.” — Dr. Randal S. Langley
• “Faith does not deny the facts. What faith does is deny the facts the power to determine your future.” — Dr. Randal S. Langley
• “It’s okay to cry — just cry for miracles.” — Dr. Randal S. Langley
• “God is not mad at you; he’s mad about you.” — Dr. Randal S. Langley