Your countenance will determine the outcome of your life and your prayers. Many of us spend hours in prayers, tears, etc because of events in our lives. After putting everything to God in prayers, we go back to the way we were before we went to the prayer altar. Lets take a look at “YOUR COUNTENANCE” as one of the hindrances to answered prayers.
What is Countenance? According to the Modern English Dictionary, countenance means a person’s face or facial expression. Sometimes, Countenance means support or approval.
Why is Countenance so important? Your countenance is very important because in most circumstances, it portrays what is in your heart, your intentions or it paints an unequivocal picture of something. Your countenance can either make you or mar you. Coming to the spiritual realm, your countenance has a lot to do with your attitude towards God, prayers, worship and every other thing. There are times we pray about certain things and even after prayers, we keep carrying the same heavy faces. Your countenance portrays either your faith in God or lack of faith/doubt.
How Does your Countenance affect your Prayers?
1 Samuel 1:9-18
“Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking…Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.”
The most peculiar thing about this extract of scripture is the fact that after the word from Eli at Shiloh, Hannah went back and was no longer sad. If you read further, you will see that her request was granted. The fact that her countenance changed is enough to tell us how joyful she was in her heart for she knew God had answered her prayer, even though she had not yet conceived. This should be our same attitude. For “this is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14.
If you have such confidence in God, then there is no reason why we should wear heavy faces after talking to God. Its difficult not to worry over issues but a good countenance demonstrates the peace of God in our hearts, the Joy of the Lord which is out strength and the Presence of the Lord which grants us rest all around. All these are Gateways to having your prayers answered like Hannah.
It is no coincidence that this message is coming to you at the end of the year. Hannah went to Shiloh to offer annual sacrifices at the end of the year and she poured out her heart to God. I beseech you to make the end of this year your “HANNAH EXPERIENCE” . Your joy is not at the mercy of surrounding circumstance or anyone. It is within you. Ask God to grant you the garment of praise, to make your countenance change like Hannah. CHANGE YOUR COUNTENANCE AND WATCH GOD CHANGE YOUR SITUATION.
Stay Forever Blessed
Gwen.
Thank you for this interpretation regarding countenance. A few days ago during my time of meditation and study, I was praying and I said: “Change my countenance O Lord”, then stopped because I knew that didn’t just come from me. That was the Holy Spirit speaking through me about me and I needed to know where that was said in the Bible and what it meant. So I googled the definition and then I looked up the biblical meaning, which is how I found this page. I’m so thankful for the resources that God provides to grant us understanding and wisdom. I love that He is changing my countenance! I’m so glad I found this page and will continue to read the other selections as this one really blessed me. I pray Gods continued favor and your obedience as you serve Him and your sisters! Glory to God!
Thanks for the encouraging words. God bless you.
Recently, I attended a women’s conference sponsored by Paster Sarah Jakes Roberts, titled “2023 Woman Evolve” where 40,000 women gathered together to pray, worship and seek God for healing, spiritual deliverance, answers to prayers, healing, restoration, etc.
During this conference which took place on September 14-16 of this year. I heard God’s voice command that I change my countenance. Your message helped me understand what the word means, and provided scriptural illustrations of the importance of faith and peace. Although I have been seeking God I still carried a heaviness in my heart. Therefore, I will focus on God’s promises and his assurance of my salvation that was brought with a price where I can have freedom and liberty through his birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, whose blood was shredded for the sins of all mankind, and my sins personally. My heart needs to change and focus on the promises of almighty God. Thank you!!
Dear Sister, thank you for this feedback. I pray that His Spirit will continue to direct and lead you beside still waters. We will keep you in our prayers. The good work God has began in you will be perfected in Jesus name.
Dear Sister, thank you for this feedback. I pray that His Spirit will continue to direct and lead you beside still waters. We will keep you in our prayers. The good work God has began in you will be perfected in Jesus name.
Amen! Thank you!