Praying thro 1 Sam 9-12 (Jul 27)

God Desires to Be Our King !!

From all outward appearance, Saul’s
selection as the first king of Israel
is an outstanding choice. His kingly
demeanour and imposing presence
make him a promising candidate
from a human perspective. But while
man looks on outward appearance
the Lord looks on the heart. Saul is
anointed by Samuel, installed as king
at Mizpah, proven in battle against
the Ammonites and confirmed as
king at Gilgal. But the fact remains
(as pointed out by Samuel in his
final address to the nation) that God
not Saul should be King over Israel.

Dear Lord, Thank You for lessons
in scripture from the story of Saul.
Thank You for being our Savior and
Master; and we need to be obedient
to You. But sometimes we want to go
our own way rather than follow Yours.
Work in us a heart of obedience so
that we’ll live a life that Pleases You.
Help us to Follow Your Leading.
Help us to Be Willing Vessals. And
Help us to also Pray For Others.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we will Follow Your Leading:
So (Saul and his servant) entered
the town and as they passed through
the gates, Samuel was coming out
toward them to go up to the place
of worship. Now the Lord had told
Samuel the previous day: About this
time tomorrow I will send you a man
from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him
to be the leader of my people Israel.
He will rescue them from the
Philistines, for I have looked down
on my people in mercy and I have
heard their cry (1 Sam 9:15-16).
Lord, from the story of Saul we see
that You can use common events
to lead us where You want us to be.
Help us to see all situations as
potential divine appointments
designed to shape our lives or
to accomplish Your purposes.
Grant us the grace to be willing
to build up a certain quality in us
or to serve in a new area. Amen.

Lord, we will Be Willing Vessals:
As Saul turned and started to leave,
God changed his heart, and all
Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day
When Saul and his servant arrived
at Gibeah, they saw the prophets
coming toward them. Then the
Spirit of God came upon Saul,
and he too began to prophesy.
When his friends heard about it,
they exclaimed: What? Is Saul
a prophet? How did the son of Kish
become a prophet? (I Sam 10:9-11).
Lord, thank You for Your goodness
and basing Your Kingdom on grace.
I earn nothing, and yet Jesus
Qualifies me to receive everything.
I need to hear You regardless of
my condition and You know that.
Thank You for leading all Your sheep,
including me by the sound of
Your voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, we will also Pray For Others:
As for me, far be it 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.
But be sure to fear the Lord and
serve Him faithfully with all your
heart; consider what great things
He has done for you (1Sam 12:23-24)
Lord, I pray for each member of
my family and for all my friends
to be blessed with good health,
peace, provision and a greater
knowledge of You and Your Word.
Help me not to be selfish or lazy
in praying; but instead show me
whom to pray for. And help me
not to sin against You by failing
to pray for other people according
to Your Will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.