David chose to provide for the next generation’s success by gathering for the building of the temple and by sowing into its completion. As his son, Solomon dedicated the temple and prayed that God would give attention to the prayers lifted there.

Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving and rejoicing to God for deliverance, strength, and provision exemplifies seeing a dream fulfilled, and giving it back to God. Her bitter cry persisted, and when it came to fulfillment she committed her blessing back to him. Our prayer must always come back to nearness with him. If we see it answered, or if it delays, that nearness is always the reward.

James 5:16 tells us that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” A vital part of this is praying the right thing. Reminding ourselves of the promises of God, of what the word of God says, guides us in prayer to advance his kingdom and correctly frames our lives with his sovereignty.