As for me, farbeit from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1 Samuel 12:23
This struck me the other day in my time with the Lord. Samuel, as Israel's Prophet of his day, was overseer to the nation at the time before, and during Saul's reign as their first king. Samuel had been dedicated and brought to Eli, the priest, at a very young age. As I have pondered his life and devotion to the Lord, I believe he learned alot from Eli's mistakes. Eli's sons, as you may recall, had rebelled against the Lord and the Lord struck them dead. The Lord told Eli that it was partly due to the fact that he failed to restrain his sons. (story found in 1 Samuel)
God had given Eli authority over his family as well as the house of God. Unfortunately he neglected his family, and they suffered immensely for it. Samuel was told by God at a young age what God was going to do to Eli's family because of their rebellion. I imagine the strong impact that had on Samuel. There is not recorded any time that Samuel fell away from following God. He was steadfast and devoted. He understood God's authority and his responsibility as God's servant.
The above verse speaks to me about the responsibility (and privelege) we have on behalf of those given to us to lead. Wether we are parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, teachers, or any other office of leadership. We sin against the Lord if we are not prayerful for those in our charge. Yet another reminder of the fervency I need to have in approaching the throne of God daily. Going before Him on behalf of those He has given to my care. And oh, what a blessing it is to see the Lord answer! It makes me aware of His initmacy. His attention to every detail of my little life.
We have evidence all around of His provision and watchcare for/over us. I see victories in my life, and my family, and my friends, my church. Pray! Pray! It is the most beneficial way we can spend our time!! As the saying goes: any failure stems from a failure to pray.
God, grant me the grace to be diligent to pray for those You have put in my circle of life. Thank you for your availability and attention to your children's requests.
1 comment:
That was awesome---wonderfully put. I have been "praying about my praying". Does that make sense? I get all these neat laid out plans about how and when--and God just wants me to communicate...daily. For that is how He draws us closer to Him. And to bring the needs of my sisters-in-Christ to Him---to seek Him on their behalf!
You have written right to my heart!
And by the way, I know you may get tired of the "snow picture"....but thank you for having it up for me. I need it many times! I love you and appreciate your ministry to each one of us! What a blessing you are to my life!
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