Pray Earnestly to the Lord (Jun 22)
The period of the judges is nearly
at an end. One last judge remains:
Samuel, a man of godly character
and integrity who will guide the
nation from judgeship to kinship.
Samuel is the offspring of barren
woman and the answer to fervent
prayer. And he is consecrated
to the Lord’s service from birth.
He enters a society marked by
moral decline and spiritual apathy.
Lord, we Cast Cares Upon You:
Hannah was in bitterness of soul,
and prayed to the Lord and wept
in anguish. Then she made a vow:
O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed…
give Your maidservant a male child,
then I will give him to the Lord all
the days of his life… (1Sam 1:10-11)
… So Eli thought she was drunk.
But Hannah answered: No my lord,
I am a woman of sorrowful spirit.
I’ve poured my soul before the Lord..
Then Eli answered: Go in peace
and the God of Israel grant your
petition which u have asked of Him…
So the woman went her way, ate, & was no longer sad (1Sam 1:14-18).
I asked the Lord to give me this boy
and He has granted my request.
Now I am giving him to the Lord,
and he will belong to the Lord
his whole life (1 Samuel 1:27-28).
Lord, although we are not in the
position to barter with Almighty God,
You may choose to answer a prayer
that has an attached promise.
We know that You God keep Your
promises and will expect us also
to keep ours. Help us when we pray to be earnest and first ask ourselves
whether we will follow through on
any promises we will make to God
if He grants us our request. Amen.
Lord, Your Word says in 1Pet 4:7
to Cast all our anxieties on You
God because You care for us. Yet
sometimes we’re guilty of taking
back the worries we claim to give
You. Help us learn from Hannah.
Help us to rest the full weight of
our worry in Your capable hands.
Help us know You care for us and
Thank You for the peace You give.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lord, I realise that at times I may
desperately pray for You God to
fulfil my desire for something that
may potentially rival U in my heart.
I want U to fulfil my desires, but not more than I want to fulfil Your will;
for my affections belong to You.
Nevertheless, hear my pleas Lord.
Enter into my needs and fulfil them.
Use my desperation as a platform
for Your glory. And like Hannah,
may I see Your provision and
praise You for it. In Jesus’ name.