1 SAMUEL 2:18-19, 1 SAMUEL 3:1 – 4:1
The Word of the Lord was in scarce supply. Perhaps He was speaking, but few were listening. Senior priest Eli could no longer hear. But, like a weaned child, junior-priest-in-training Samuel came to God with no agenda but to listen. A pure motive is a prerequisite for hearing God. Hearts palpitating with personal ambition simply do not listen. Or, even if they do, they may misinterpret what they hear, coloring it their own way. Another condition for hearing God is slowing down. In the still of the night, God spoke to Samuel. Most of us live at 100 miles an hour. God speaks at what might seem like 5 miles per hour. Listening is a discipline. That much Samuel learned from Eli. And when he did, God’s word came to all Israel. All of Samuel’s words came to pass. We have nothing to say until we have heard from God. “Therefore,” said Jesus, “consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18).
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
- For all wars and conflicts to cease and for all nations to be cleansed from the curse of innocent bloodshed
- For the violence and unrest among the youth of our world to cease
- For justice and fair play in governance, judiciary and legislation across the nations
- For bribery and corruption in politics and government administration to be exposed and dealt with
- For the spirit of death and destruction that seems to be looming over our nations to be torn down
- For the salvation of our leaders and decision makers
- For the influence of the national guardian deities to be broken over our nations
- For the people living in darkness to have their spiritual eyes opened to see Jesus as their Savior
PRAY FOR THE CHURCH
- For the heads of all Christian denominations, organizations, and independent ministries to serve in godliness and work toward unity
- For the Lord to bless all our Foursquare national leaders and their respective national boards
- For the whole body of Christ around the world to join together in common witness and prayer so that those in darkness will see the love of God that unites us
PRAYER FOCUS
Spend some time in prayer today for pastors, missionaries, and ministries in Southern South America.