DAY 6 – THURSDAY – 6/3/2025

Reflection: The sin of not praying for God’s people

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 19:25
19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that  we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake,because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good   and the right way. 24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For    consider what great things he has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” (1 Samuel 12:19-25)

Reflections on 1 Samuel 11:14-15 and 1 Samuel 12:1-25
1 Samuel 11:14-15 tells us of an important event when Samuel gathered all the Israelites at Gilgal for Saul’s inauguration ceremony as the first king of Israel and all the men of Israel rejoiced. Yet, It was not God’s will for them to have a king at that point. God permitted it upon their insistent request. God allowed prophet Samuel to introduce Saul as their king (1 Samuel 12:13). Prophet Samuel also warned the Israelites firmly 3 times in 1 Samuel 12: 13,21 & 24 not to turn away from God and serve the Lord with all their hearts. If they live wickedly before the Lord, God will    judge Israel and their king. Additionally, Samuel also said to the Israelites that it is a sin against the Lord if he (Samuel) stops praying for God’s people (1 Samuel 12:23) and that he will teach them the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all
your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24).

Prayer Focus:
1. Let us pray: Father God, please forgive me. It is a sin against You when I do not pray  for my church members, people in the villages (or town or cities), pastors, leaders, our King, Prime Minister and his cabinet, and my country…(continue to pray as the Spirit leads you).

2. Pray that more intercessors, watchmen andprayer warriors will arise and take their positions to stand in the gap (under the covering of their local pastor) for our nation according to Ezekiel 22:30.

3. Pray that Christians leaders will continually seek God for help and guidance in times of trouble like King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) who ultimately won his battles against 3 kings.

4. Pray for the community leaders in the villages in Sabah & Sarawak that they will fear the Lord and not be easily bribed like Samuel. (1 Samuel 12:3) 3 Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken?   Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me  and I will restore it to you.”