In Hannah's song of praise found in 1 Samuel chapter 2, she prays for a king at a time when there is no king in Israel. Her words point to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Her gratitude led her to praise the Lord and her praise pointed prophetically to the One who would come to judge all. 

Hannah's vow to commit her child to the Lord's service as a priest was seeking to honor the Lord. She was cooperating with God's plan. The fulfillment of the vow was in accordance with God's will.

The story of Jephthah in the Book of Judges is a tragic example of how not to pray. We should not negotiate with God. A better way for us to pray is to come to the Lord in submission with humility and with reliance upon His power.

In the Book of Judges, Gideon asks God for a sign to confirm His will. Is that an appropriate way for a Christian today to pray in order to determine God's will or to receive His guidance?

Sometimes we don't see the answers to prayers that we want in this life because God has something better for us either in this life or in the life to come. It is important that we try to align our prayers with the will of God.

In the Book of Numbers, the people of Israel ask Moses to pray for them after the Lord afflicts them for their disobedience. Once again Moses prays, and once again God gives Moses a solution to the problem. However, this time, the solution has much greater significance. 

Moses is a remarkable example of the power of intercessory prayer. His prayer resulted in the sparing of an entire nation!

God did not rebuke Moses for lamenting in prayer about the hard situation he was facing. Instead, God gave him a solution. We can come with honesty before the Lord in prayer.

In the Book of Numbers, the Lord gives Moses a benediction—a spoken blessing—to speak over the people of Israel. Those of us who know God as our Father through faith in Jesus Christ can also pray this benediction for ourselves, our families, and other people that we know.

Moses was changed by his time in prayer with God. We who have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ are also changed by our time spent with God in prayer. This comes about by the power of the Holy Spirit.