1 Samuel 22:1-2: Refuge in Jesus

Father, Saul was pursuing David. As he was pursued the distressed, debtors, and discontent people came to him. He became their leader. They found refuge with him. Thank You for the reminder this gives us of David's Lord and Descendant. Thank You that Jesus receives the distressed, debtors, and the discontented. We can come to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 22:1-2: Refuge in Jesus →

1 Samuel 17 – The Lord’s Battle

Father, Goliath taunted David on the battlefield. He judged David by his outer appearances. David was young and ruddy. Goliath was a seasoned warrior and a powerful man. He was over nine feet tall! A giant! He mocked You and Your people. By all worldly appearances, David would not win that battle. Yet, David did … Continue reading 1 Samuel 17 – The Lord’s Battle →

Four Reasons I Write Prayers

For some Prayer Books and written prayers are common. I grew up without a category for written prayers. I had never heard of someone writing out prayers until my high school years. I am sure it would have been frowned upon in the circles of my upbringing. When I first heard of people doing it, … Continue reading Four Reasons I Write Prayers →

Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15

Lord, How quickly we turn to our way! We are so quick to think that we know what You want. We think You are like us. Yet, You alone are God. You are to be feared, trusted, and obeyed. Saul did not obey Your commands. He feared the people and obeyed them. Again, his fear … Continue reading Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15 →

1 Samuel 13-14 – Acting in Faith, Not Fear

Father, Saul acted in fear and disobeyed Your Law. He offered sacrifices that were not his to offer. He went his own way. His kingdom was taken from him. In contrast, Jonathan acted in faith, and You rescued Israel. May we not be governed by fear and go our own way. May we trust Your … Continue reading 1 Samuel 13-14 – Acting in Faith, Not Fear →

Prayer for Repentance and Rejoicing

Lord, We will soon gather with our church families to remember Jesus’ resurrection. May we bless Your name and bow our hearts in sincere worship. May our ears be ready to hear Your Word as it is read. May our leaders clearly explain the Word. May we understand it. May our hearts be sensitive to … Continue reading Prayer for Repentance and Rejoicing →

Our God Reigns – 1 Samuel 4-7

Lord of Hosts, There is no one like You. You struck down the gods of Egypt with a mighty hand. You led the people to the Promised Land. You fulfilled Your promises to them. They rebelled and went their own way. Yet, their rebellion did not leave You helpless against Your enemies. When the ark … Continue reading Our God Reigns – 1 Samuel 4-7 →

Praying 1 Samuel 1-3

Sovereign Lord, Again, we are confronted with the evil of Israel and our own hearts. In the final years of the judges, the spiritual leadership of Israel had fallen into blatant acts of rebellion and sexual promiscuity. They continued going their own way. They resisted You, Your Law, and the warnings You sent to them. … Continue reading Praying 1 Samuel 1-3 →

A Prayer From Ruth

Father, What a blessing the Book of Ruth is, especially after reading the Book of Judges. In the time of the Judges you rescued a Moabite woman from sin and poverty. While many were doing what was right in their own eyes, You preserved a remnant, including Boaz. Through them You preserved the line of … Continue reading A Prayer From Ruth →

Judges 19-21 – Tragic Ending, Confident Future

Lord, How hard and far did Israel fall! They went their own way and became like Sodom and Gomorrah! The tribe of Benjamin followed sinful passions, and they were nearly destroyed. Then, the surviving men of that tribe were encouraged to steal wives for themselves! And they did! How wicked and low! You repeated the … Continue reading Judges 19-21 – Tragic Ending, Confident Future →