Topic: SPEAK LOUD IN PRAYER
Text: Psalms 121:1-2
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of a believer, an intimate conversation with God that transcends the physical and reaches the spiritual. Speaking out loud in prayer signifies a deep desire, an expression of fervent faith, and a bold declaration of dependence on God. This article examines the importance of vocal prayer, drawing lessons from the biblical stories of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus.
- A Cry for Change
Jabez, mentioned briefly in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, is a poignant example of someone who prayed aloud for his circumstances to be changed. Born in sorrow (his name literally means “sorrow”), Jabez refused to let his identity be defined by his past or circumstances. Instead, he cried out to God: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV).
Jabez’s prayer was powerful, not just in volume but in boldness. He spoke with a deep desire for transformation, for a life that reflected God’s blessings rather than the curses of his name. His prayer teaches us that praying aloud means having the courage to ask God for more—more blessings, more influence, more protection—while trusting in His divine ability to change our circumstances.
- A Heartfelt Prayer
The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 is another powerful example of vocal prayer. Deeply distressed by her infertility and the ridicule of those around her, Hannah prayed earnestly to God at the altar in the temple. Although her lips moved, no one could hear her voice—but her fervent prayer was so powerful that the priest Eli thought she was drunk.
Hannah’s prayer was full of emotional intensity. She did not hesitate to lay bare her deepest desires before God, expressing her anguish and her hope in the same breath. She made a vow: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11, NKJV).
The story of Hannah reminds us that praying aloud involves more than just the words we say; it’s about the depth of emotion behind them. It is about being honest with God, expressing our pain, and trusting Him with our deepest desires.
- A Cry for Mercy
Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of Jericho, illustrates the power of persistence in prayer. Hearing that Jesus was passing by, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, NIV). Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:48, NIV).
Bartimaeus’s prayer was powerful and persistent. He refused to be silenced because he knew that this was his opportunity to meet the One who could change his life forever. His cry for mercy stopped Jesus, resulting in his healing and the restoration of his sight. Bartimaeus teaches us that praying out loud sometimes means refusing to give up, even when others try to silence us. It is about continually seeking God’s attention, knowing that He hears us and will respond to our cries for mercy.
Conclusion
In Psalm 121:1-2, the psalmist declares that he relies on God as his source of help. Likewise, the examples of Jabez, Hannah, and Bartimaeus show us that praying aloud is a powerful expression of our faith and dependence on God. Whether we are asking for transformation, pouring out our hearts, or relentlessly seeking mercy, our praying aloud reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to intervene in our lives.
As believers, we are encouraged to pray aloud, calling out to God boldly, intensely, and persistently. When we pray aloud, we affirm that our help comes from God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is always ready to hear and respond to the cries of His children. Remember that Jesus is the answer to your prayers, and it would be good if you had an intimate relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior, which would give you access to His presence and promises.
Let us Pray
Take a moment to pour out your heart to God with all seriousness.
John Aderogba for ROPMI.