There are moments when we face uncertainty, feel like the odds are stacked against us, or are simply navigating the ups and downs of everyday life.
As women, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles, from family to work, friendships to personal growth. It’s easy to feel like we need all the strength and wisdom we can get. But here’s the thing—while wisdom, courage, and strength are important, the Bible teaches us that favor can change everything.
In fact, praying for God’s favor might be the most powerful prayer you can offer. If you look at the stories of women like Ruth and Esther, you’ll see how favor opened doors and made impossible things happen. Let’s dive into their stories and learn why seeking God’s favor should be at the top of our prayer list.
What Does It Mean to Pray for Favor?
When we pray for favor, we are asking for God’s grace, His approval, and His blessings in our lives. It’s an invitation for God to go before us, opening doors that no one else can and granting us opportunities that we might not deserve by human standards. Favor is often what sets us apart in situations where our skills or circumstances alone wouldn’t be enough.
Think of favor as divine approval—God’s special grace that enables us to succeed, gain influence, and experience His blessings in ways we could never imagine on our own.
Ruth: Finding Favor in the Fields
Ruth’s story is a beautiful example of how favor can transform a seemingly hopeless situation. After losing her husband and facing an uncertain future, Ruth chose to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a foreign land.
Ruth could have been overlooked as an outsider, but her humble spirit and dedication caught the attention of Boaz, a wealthy landowner.
In Ruth 2:10, after Boaz showed her kindness, Ruth responded: “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Boaz’s favor wasn’t by accident—it was the result of God’s hand guiding Ruth to the right place at the right time. By seeking to serve her family and remaining faithful to Naomi, Ruth found herself on a path of favor that ultimately led her to marriage with Boaz and secured her place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Esther: Praying for Favor in the Palace
Esther’s story is another remarkable testament to the power of favor. She went from being an orphaned Jewish girl to the Queen of Persia, a position that came with great responsibility—and risk. When Esther learned of Haman’s plot to destroy her people, she knew she couldn’t save them on her own. But what she did have was favor.
Before she approached the king, Esther fasted and prayed, seeking God’s intervention. In Esther 5:2, it says:
“When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter.”
Esther’s boldness, paired with God’s favor, not only granted her access to the king but also led to the salvation of the entire Jewish people. It’s a reminder that God’s favor can make a way, even in situations that seem impossible.
The Role of Favor in Everyday Life
You don’t have to be facing life-or-death situations like Esther or Ruth to pray for favor. Even in your daily life, favor can open doors that seem locked and provide solutions to problems you can’t solve alone. Think about the women of the Bible—many of them faced challenges similar to those we experience today: insecurity, fear, navigating relationships, or overcoming personal loss.
In Genesis 39:21, it says of Joseph:
“The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
While Joseph was not a woman, this verse shows a common theme in the Bible—favor transforms any situation, whether in a field like Ruth, a palace like Esther, or even a prison. It’s a gift that lifts you above your circumstances and places you exactly where God wants you to be.
Why Favor Should Be Your Top Prayer
So, why should women pray for favor above everything else? Here’s the simple truth: favor is what paves the way for everything else to fall into place. Whether it’s relationships, career opportunities, family matters, or personal goals, God’s favor can open doors that no human effort can achieve. Here’s why:
- Favor Grants Access: Like Esther approaching the king, favor provides you with access to people and places that can change your life. It can open doors of opportunity, position you for promotion, and help you overcome barriers.
- Favor Gives You Influence: As seen in Ruth’s story, favor allowed her to find protection and provision in Boaz’s fields. It’s not just about being noticed—it’s about being in the right place at the right time with the right people.
- Favor Leads to Success: In Proverbs 3:4, it says, “Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Favor is what sets you apart and causes others to recognize God’s hand in your life. It leads to blessings, not just for you, but for those around you.
How to Pray for Favor
Praying for favor isn’t about asking for easy street—it’s about asking God to guide your steps and bless your efforts. Here are some practical steps to incorporate this into your daily prayer life:
- Pray with Humility: Just as Ruth approached her situation with a humble heart, ask God to grant you favor not out of entitlement, but as a blessing. Favor often comes through serving others, being diligent, and seeking God’s will.
- Ask for Specific Favor: Whether it’s in your work, relationships, or a particular challenge you’re facing, be specific. Esther knew exactly what she was praying for when she fasted for favor before approaching the king.
- Stay Aligned with God’s Will: Favor is most powerful when you’re walking in alignment with God’s plans. Pray for guidance so that the favor you receive leads you toward the purpose He has set for your life.
- Have Faith: Trust that God’s favor is already at work in your life, even when you can’t see it immediately. Like Ruth, sometimes favor comes through patience and perseverance.
Final Thoughts: Seek Favor in Every Season
The stories of Ruth, Esther, and many other women in the Bible remind us that favor is not just about receiving blessings; it’s about positioning ourselves to be used by God in ways that surpass human understanding. Whether you’re facing a challenging season or seeking God’s direction for the next step in your journey, praying for favor is one of the most powerful prayers you can offer.
So, as you move forward in faith, remember to make favor your top request. It doesn’t mean everything will always be easy, but it does mean that God’s grace will pave the way, giving you access, influence, and success in ways you never imagined.
Trust in God’s favor—because with it, nothing is impossible.
