When Women Prayনমুনা

Prayers that Change the World

As I look out across cultures and societies today, I see women breaking new ground and blazing new trails in every way imaginable. Women are climbing corporate ladders at rapid speeds and ascending to the highest levels of success. They are running countries, leading with integrity and passion. They are launching businesses and spearheading innovations. They are excelling in the classroom, in the boardroom, and in every room. Amazingly, women have championed these advances outside the home without sacrificing the precious lives within their homes. Because of changes in both technology and social norms, modern women are balancing work and family in ways that would have seemed impossible to mothers of previous generations. They are marrying wonderful men of God and partnering to raise gifted children who in their turn will bless

the world anew.

As a pastor, I’m gratified by the progress I have seen in the lives of women in my community and in the larger world. We all benefit from these advances. We all win when women influence society to a greater degree. Still, there is a danger that in our march toward progress and prosperity we may leave behind one of the key ingredients to our success. I am referring to prayer.

This is a call for women of all generations to continue their march toward equality and empowerment; yet, do so by embracing the power of prayer. This is a call for women in every community to dream like their daughters and pray like their grandmothers. The world of the future will need women who understand the power and protection that is available only through prayer.

The world will need women warriors who can raise their swords in the continuing fight against oppression and injustice. Women who can lift shields to defend the innocent and the untrained. It is only through prayer that such a widespread movement will be sustained. It is only through prayer that these wonderful advances will continue forward.

Just as important, I want women to remember the wonder of prayer, not only as a general principle, but as something vital in their own lives. Prayer is a stress reliever. It’s a chain breaker. It’s a peace bringer and it is necessary for every child of God—no matter the age or level of experience.