Definition and Concept
Praying with expectation involves approaching God with a confident assurance that He hears and will respond to our prayers according to His will. This concept is rooted in the belief that God is both willing and able to act on behalf of His people. Expectant prayer is characterized by faith, trust, and hope in God's promises and His character.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to pray with expectation. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in prayer. In Mark 11:24 , Jesus states, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This verse highlights the necessity of believing in the fulfillment of our prayers as we present them to God.

James 1:6-7 further underscores this principle: "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord." Here, James warns against doubt, which can hinder the effectiveness of prayer.

Old Testament Examples
The Old Testament also provides examples of expectant prayer. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prayed fervently for a child and trusted that God would answer her plea. In 1 Samuel 1:17-18 , Eli the priest tells her, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him." Hannah's response was one of faith, as she left with a changed countenance, believing that God would fulfill her request.

Another example is found in the life of Elijah. In 1 Kings 18:41-45, Elijah prays for rain after a long drought, and he sends his servant to look for signs of rain with the expectation that God would answer. His persistent and expectant prayer resulted in a downpour, demonstrating God's faithfulness to respond.

Teachings of Jesus
Jesus taught His disciples to pray with expectation through parables and direct instruction. In the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), Jesus illustrates the importance of persistent and expectant prayer. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from an unjust judge serves as a model for believers to continually seek God with the expectation that He will act justly.

In Matthew 7:7-8 , Jesus encourages His followers, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." This passage assures believers that God is attentive to their prayers and will respond to their needs.

Role of Faith
Faith is a crucial component of praying with expectation. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith in God's character and His promises is essential for expectant prayer.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a prayer life that is marked by expectation. This involves aligning one's desires with God's will, as expressed in 1 John 5:14-15 : "And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him." Praying with expectation requires a heart that is attuned to God's purposes and a trust in His timing and methods.

Conclusion
Praying with expectation is a dynamic aspect of the Christian faith, inviting believers to engage with God in a meaningful and faith-filled dialogue. Through biblical examples and teachings, Christians are encouraged to approach God with confidence, trusting in His ability to answer and His desire to bless His children.