[From 6-13-09]
"Moreover as for me, 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 right way."
(1 Samuel 12:23)
"Moreover as for me, 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 right way."
(1 Samuel 12:23)
The Israelites have just reached a new stage in their relationship with God and each other. Despite the prophet Samuel's cautions, the people demanded a king to rule over them (previously God was thought to be their "king"!). Saul just led their army to a rousing victory, so the people rose in one accord to proclaim him king. But Samuel had to remind them of one key thing: both they and the king must follow God with all their hearts. Period.
But then Samuel said something else. "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you" (1 Sam. 12:23). Wow. I've been wrestling for a while with the nagging feeling that my intercessory prayer life for my church is not where it should be. This passage confirms the significant role we "priests" have for our flocks.
Years ago I created a prayer corner in my office in Aiea... tucked away and out of sight, I've made a place where I can literally post all the prayer requests that come my way - so I'll be able to remember and pray for them. That was a big step in my intercessory prayer development. However, as time has passed, it's been a struggle to make the time to go into the prayer area to pray. All the while I feel guilty for not doing so. (NOTE: Of course I pray at other times in the day, as the Spirit moves, but not with the same specificity of prayers.)
So I've been thinking for a while that I might need to get a small notepad that I can transfer all of the prayer requests to, so I can have them with me all day in my backpack. Then I can be more intentional about praying specifically for my church & beyond.
'FAR BE IT FROM ME THAT I SHOULD SIN AGAINST THE LORD BY CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU.'
PRAYER: Oh LORD, You've entrusted to me a great and important responsibility - to pray for the people, ministry & mission of Aiea UMC. Forgive me for having neglected to fulfill that duty to the utmost in the past. Renew my passion to and commitment for prayer. Now. Today. From here on out. So be it. AMEN.
But then Samuel said something else. "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you" (1 Sam. 12:23). Wow. I've been wrestling for a while with the nagging feeling that my intercessory prayer life for my church is not where it should be. This passage confirms the significant role we "priests" have for our flocks.
Years ago I created a prayer corner in my office in Aiea... tucked away and out of sight, I've made a place where I can literally post all the prayer requests that come my way - so I'll be able to remember and pray for them. That was a big step in my intercessory prayer development. However, as time has passed, it's been a struggle to make the time to go into the prayer area to pray. All the while I feel guilty for not doing so. (NOTE: Of course I pray at other times in the day, as the Spirit moves, but not with the same specificity of prayers.)
So I've been thinking for a while that I might need to get a small notepad that I can transfer all of the prayer requests to, so I can have them with me all day in my backpack. Then I can be more intentional about praying specifically for my church & beyond.
'FAR BE IT FROM ME THAT I SHOULD SIN AGAINST THE LORD BY CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU.'
PRAYER: Oh LORD, You've entrusted to me a great and important responsibility - to pray for the people, ministry & mission of Aiea UMC. Forgive me for having neglected to fulfill that duty to the utmost in the past. Renew my passion to and commitment for prayer. Now. Today. From here on out. So be it. AMEN.
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