1 Samuel 10-12, Luke 9:37-62 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 12:23
Last words typically catch our attention. When we are hearing someone give a farewell, whether
it is at retirement or when death is imminent, we listen more intently—and if we ate the one
speaking, our words are more carefully chosen.
The people of Israel had asked for a king and God granted their request. Now Samuel was giving
his farewell speech. The people agreed that he was leaving his office blameless. Having said that,
Samuel then warned them, reminding the nation of past failures in hopes that they would learn
from their history and not repeat it. His encouragement for the days ahead focused on the people
serving the Lord with all their hearts.
Then comes the surprising statement. There is a sin that he himself was determined not to
commit, yet one that to this day is an all too common sin. ‘“As for me, far be it from me that I
should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you” (12:23).
Could it be that to pray less is to sin more?. A failure to be a person of intercessory prayer Is, in
Samuel’s words, a sin against the Lord, While there are many good and profitable emphases on
prayer today, there is also a noticeable lessening of emphasis. Fewer churches gather for prayer,
accommodating instead the trend to give God less time during the week.
Join Samuel in this determination. Remember to pray for others.
Write the names of three others for whom you should pray today Now, pray for them.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in