By: Juliet Constantine
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” (1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV)
They were chosen to be the exception, to be the leaders of all times, to do things differently; yet they desired more, to be like others, to be the followers. Like many nations today patterning America, they didn’t see themselves as potential superpower contenders. They were just following the pack, hence their request for a king. They had the very best leader and didn’t realize it. In their envy they wanted more – not realizing they were choosing someone inferior. Samuel was unhappy with their request. He believed they had rejected the Creator for the creature. He made known the evil act to the people who then acknowledged their sin. The people then requested that Samuel pray for them so that the same Creator, whom they had rejected, would not kill them. They sinned, but they remembered that prayer softens God’s heart, God will forgive and restore—Samuel remembered to pray.
People often request prayers; some seriously and others jokingly. For whatever reason, we all, at one time or another, have requested special prayers—strength to face whatever challenges may arise, or guidance on a decision to be made. With all good intentions, the requested may have agreed to pray; but, somehow (as it is sometimes) the petition may never be made as requests are forgotten. However, for those who remember and pray, God answers!
I do believe that many were, and still are, being rescued because someone remembered to pray. Someone remembered to lift up the struggling on the wings of prayer. Someone remembered to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of the fallen. Someone, who loved beyond boundaries, agonized with God to save their child, their husband, their parent, their friend. Yes, in-spite-of the wrong action, someone still cared enough to pray.
Too often we easily give up on each other; on those relationships that were intended to last a lifetime. For whatever reason, we are sometimes unwilling to even try reconciliation. We are sometimes unwilling to put in the extra work that’s required—to go the extra mile. We sometimes abandon ship when troubles come because we did not remember or care enough to pray.
We need to pray for our relationships. Did you remember to pray? The Bible is littered with examples of people who stood in the gap for others or for a whole nation. King Solomon prayed asking God to forgive his erring people; and if they sinned, wherever they might be, when they turned their face to Jerusalem and prayed, God was to hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. That’s why Daniel prayed turning his face toward Jerusalem. Daniel remembered to pray – not just for himself but for his entire nation.
Finally, we also need to pray for ourselves. As you face your daily challenges, did you remember to pray? Even if no one remembered your prayer request, you need to spend time in ‘closet’ interceding with God so that you can get ‘closet power’. God is ready and listening and He will also answer while you are still speaking. Before you leave your home today, did you remember to pray? Your Father is waiting. Give him a call in the morning, touch base with Him through the daytime, and say thanks in the evening. As you speak to God for yourself, you will remember to speak to Him on behalf of others. Do remember to pray.
Oh my Father, thank You for the medium of prayer. For all those who requested prayer, those I remembered and the ones that I do not, I lift them up before You even now. Please forgive our sins and heal our relationships; loose the chains of circumstances, or poor choices, that bind us and give us the victory to love in-spite-of… for we ask it all in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
