- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,642
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV
Samuel had reluctantly anointed Saul as king of Israel, marking a huge transition for the nation of Israel. As he ceded the nation’s leadership to Saul, he addressed the people, challenging them to serve God under their new king. As he ended his speech, he declared that he would continue to pray for the nation and its people, for to do otherwise would be a sin against God.
Samuel understood something that the man of God needs to grasp today, namely that the very best thing we can do for people is to pray for them. Samuel didn’t agree with Israel’s choice to have a king to rule over them, but he knew that God wasn’t going to abandon His people. He knew that the best way to promote God’s work in the people’s hearts was to pray for them.
Several Bible passages encourage—or command—God’s people to pray for others, a type of prayer called intercession. If God has moved your heart toward prayer for someone, take heart in knowing that He will hear your faithful, persistent prayers.
Prayer: Father in heaven, You desire that all men of God pray for others. May I always be faithful to that calling.
Samuel had reluctantly anointed Saul as king of Israel, marking a huge transition for the nation of Israel. As he ceded the nation’s leadership to Saul, he addressed the people, challenging them to serve God under their new king. As he ended his speech, he declared that he would continue to pray for the nation and its people, for to do otherwise would be a sin against God.
Samuel understood something that the man of God needs to grasp today, namely that the very best thing we can do for people is to pray for them. Samuel didn’t agree with Israel’s choice to have a king to rule over them, but he knew that God wasn’t going to abandon His people. He knew that the best way to promote God’s work in the people’s hearts was to pray for them.
Several Bible passages encourage—or command—God’s people to pray for others, a type of prayer called intercession. If God has moved your heart toward prayer for someone, take heart in knowing that He will hear your faithful, persistent prayers.
Prayer: Father in heaven, You desire that all men of God pray for others. May I always be faithful to that calling.
