Good morning!
Text: 1 Samuel 10-12; Proverbs 26:1-16
After Saul is anointed king over Israel, Samuel speaks to the people and they fall under the conviction that to ask for a king was a sinful rejection of God’s leadership over them. They ask Samuel to pray for them. In his response he says these words:
“…far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” 1 Samuel 12:23
It is sin when we cease to pray. This is especially true when it comes to our prayers for people who are in sin. Only God can deliver people from the power of sin – whether they be unregenerate pagans or our brothers in sisters in Christ. It is our great privilege to petition the Lord on their behalf, and our duty and responsibility.
In my life, there have been dry spells – seasons without much prayer. I can resolve to get back to prayer, or take special steps to pray more. But, nothing has more power to restore my prayer life than to confess my prayerless habits for what they are – sin. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And if you are stuck, confess and see God move you to prayer.
in Him, Mike