1 Samuel 8 Prayer Points

8:11 Samuel is just telling it like it is! Power corrupts. Ask the Lord to give you a measure of influence you can handle with out corruption.

8:19 The Lord gives the people the freedom to choose a king, even though He knew it would prove to be their down fall. He gives us the freedom to choose our course as well. Ask Him to make you wise and godly in your decisions so that you will not turn away from His love.

1 Samuel 9 Prayer Points

9:6 Pray for the body of Christ, that when we are confused and don’t know which way to go, we will seek out godly advisers. Those who don’t know you will only give us advice that leads to more confusion. We need guidance that comes from the Lord.

9:16 Even though God’s people made the wrong decision for a king, in mercy God guided Samuel to Saul. Even when we make the wrong decision, You do not desert us. You have mercy on us and begin the process of bringing us back to Your side. Thank the Lord for His grace and mercy.

9:21 Saul begins well. God exalts the humble, the smallest tribe, the shy, the least likely candidate. That includes us. Thank the Lord for using you in His service today.

James 2:1-13 Prayer Points

2:1-9 Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your spirit and root out any tendency you have to discriminate against people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you see others with God’s perspective.

2:12-13 Praise God, for His mercy and love in the way He has dealt with your sin. Pray that His perfect law of love and mercy will be your rule as you deal with the shortcomings of others.

I Samuel 5

5:2 Power, wealth, beauty, intellect are the modern day idols like a Dagon in many lives today. Lord help us not to look to anything but You, the true and living God, for answers to life. Help us to understand that such idols have no life or power within them. Create in us a longing for the day of Your coming, when You will destroy idolatry once and for all.

5:10 Ask God to reveal His awesome power to unsaved friends, family and particularly Muslim’s at this time of Ramadan.

1 Samuel 6

6:1-9 Even the ungodly will honour God in time of crisis. Ask the Lord to help you to honour Him all of the time, just as He is good all the time. Verse 2 says the Philistine called in their priests and diviners and asked them what should we do about the ark of the Lord, “tell us how to return it to its own land.” Pray today that God’s righteous standards will return to it’s rightful place.

6:13 It says in this verse then when the people of Beth-Shemesh saw the ark they rejoiced or in other words were overjoyed! Pray that when the Lord does the un-expected in our lives, we may be overjoyed like the Israelites, not surprised or frightened!

1 Samuel 6-7

6:20 “Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” they cried out. “Where can we send the Ark from here?” Father even though You call Your child, You are utterly righteous and holy. Pray that each one of us as believers would not approach our Lord flippantly. Ask Him to help us to exalt Him with every breath we take.

7:8-9 This time instead of scheming, the Israelites ask the lord to save them, and He does. Ask the Lord to give you and every child of God, the victory over the things that intimidate us today.

You Today! One Person With Courage Makes A Majority

Through His Word today and the life of Samuel, we see he gained such influence. What made everyone listen to him? At least three indispensible qualities gained him the influence he won.

Competence: God blessed Samuel with many gifts. He heard from the Lord, he could see the future unfold, and he wisely knew what to do in crisis. His abilities provided one reason that everyone listened to him.

Character: Unlike Eli, Samuel exuded integrity and honestly faced each area of his life. People trusted him and knew that he had Israel’s best interest in mind. They considered Samuel utterly trustworthy and depended upon him to intercede for them with God.

Fortunately for us, the formula for Samuel’s success still works today

Connection: Samuel knew how to connect with people; he spoke their language. He expressed compassion for their predicaments and brought courage to their pursuits.
Competence + Character + Connection = Influence
Lord we pray you will bring this formula to our lives!

Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Deuteronomy 32:3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

Judges 5:3 Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song.

2 Samuel 22:1-3 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour from violent men you save me.

2 Samuel 22:4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Saviour!

2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.

1 Kings 8:56 “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses”

1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!

1 Chronicles 16:34-36 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 35 And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy name, To triumph in Your praise.”36 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting!

1 Chronicles 23:30  to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening;

1 Chronicles 29:10  David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel,from everlasting to everlasting.

1 Chronicles 29:13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

Psalm 18:3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:49 Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.

Psalm 22:22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.

Psalm 28:6 Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

Psalm 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!

Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will give Him no rest, until her righteousness goes forth like the noonday, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. ~ Isaiah 62:1

In light of the news we heard yesterday of the 3 Israeli boys that were found dead and our bible reading being 1 Samuel 1-2.

1 Samuel 1:6-7 Pray for those who have been mistreated and caused pain. Pray that they would turn to the Lord for comfort and that they would be given a depth of character to ask Him to intervene in the situation today.

Pray for TRUTH

There is so much deception and propaganda surrounding the whole topic of Israel. God is concerned for truth and so should we be.

Pray that the truth will be revealed and that lies and deception will be cast down, wherever they are found.

2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may come to their senses and escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, henceforth to do His [God’s} will.

1 Samuel 1:10-11 The Lord used the promise of this righteous woman’s heart to bless all of His people for all time. Thank our gracious God this morning for seeing beyond the span of Israel’s and our years and for using even our lives to shape the future and bring about His plan.

Pray for SALVATION

This is the greatest need for Jew and Arab alike. God uses difficulties and suffering to turn men’s hearts to Himself.

Pray that men, women and children will have a hunger to know the true God and His Messiah.

1 Samuel 1:28 Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshipped the Lord there.

The only place our children are safe, is in the hands of the Lord!

In view of the news yesterday of a minister’s son who was killed in our city! Father God we want to trust You completely with our children, like Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1:28 . They are a gift from You, and we give back what already belongs to You. Raise them up in Your likeness and use them to bless Your people everywhere.

Pray for GOD’S REVEALED PURPOSES

The Lord has clearly outlined His purpose for Israel in His word. Israel and the Jewish people are to be a testimony to His existence, His character and His faithfulness. They prove that His word is true. Pray that He will bless and use Israel for His glory, not for their sakes, but His Holy Name’s sake (Ezekiel 36:22)

2 Samuel 2:8 “He lifts the poor from the dust, yes, from the pile of ashes! He treats them like princes, placing them in seats of honour.”

Lord, You stoop down to lift me up out of the ashes. You have made me a child of the King. You have set the world in order and protect me when I cling to you, in life and death alike! Do the same for the Jew and Arab today.

Pray for RECONCILIATION

The ongoing conflict in the Land has done terrible damage to the relationships of Jew and Arab, especially amongst the younger generation.

Pray that ordinary Jewish and Arab people, whether living in Israel proper or the Territories, will have a desire for reconciliation and to live side by side in peace and harmony.

Pray for THOSE IN AUTHORITY

Israel’s leaders face a spiritual battle as well as a physical one, and need our help.
Pray for the leaders in every sphere of life to be guided by God and to govern according to the principles of His word. Pray too for righteous leaders to be raised up for the Palestinian people who will be truly care and work for their welfare.

Pray for THE BELIEVERS IN JESUS

Praise God, indigenous congregations are growing and thriving in the Holy Land.

Pray that both Israeli and Palestinian believers as well as Gentiles serving God in Israel, will be a true testimony of the love of God and the power of the gospel. May they be enabled to love their enemies, and have a prophetic voice amongst their peoples, and be truly united together as the One New Man in Messiah Jesus.

Pray for PROTECTION

Pray for protection for Israel from all the attempts by the enemy to destroy the plan of God by destroying His people. Pray that God’s plan for peace in the Middle East will prevail over all the plans of men.

• Zechariah 2:5
• Psalm 55:9
• Daniel 10:20-21
• Psalm 101:8

In 2 Chronicles 14:1-2  We are reminded that obedience will bring you peace, just as it does Asa. Ask God for a tender conscience and an obedient heart.

14:6  As we see all around us many are experiencing trouble times. Do you take the initiative during the peaceful times in your life to fortify your spirit with God’s truths? Ask The Lord to show you ways to grow, wether in a time of peace or war.

14:11. Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!

O Lord, on our own we are powerless against the forces of evil in our lives. We need You on our side! You are our source of victory. Help us to trust in You alone.

15:1-7 15 Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.  For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them.  But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him. “During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land.  Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem.  But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”

Our times are dark, Lord. It isn’t safe to travel for many. Problems trouble our countries on every hand. Many nations are at war. It is time for Your church to be strong and courageous. Breath on us Lord. Keep us close to Your side. For You are our strength, our reason for being.

16:2-4 For 35 years Asa has gone to The Lord for help in his battles. Now, in the 36th year of his reign, he chooses to rob the Lord’s treasury and form alliance instead.

Ask The Lord to keep you faithful to Him all your days.

16:7 7 At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, “Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram.

Lord help us to understand that because we do not put our trust in You we miss our chance to destroy our enemies.

16:10 Sometimes the truth hurts. Asa becomes petulant and unteachable, throwing a prophet into prison and oppressing his people. Do you have trouble hearing someone say you are wrong? Talk to The Lord about it.

16:11-13 11 The rest of the events of Asa’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the Lord’s help but turned only to his physicians. 13 So he died in the forty-first year of his reign.

Asa turns his back on The Lord and dies from his disease. Has anyone you know and love turned his or her back on The Lord? Intercede for that person. His or her life is at stake.

Titus 3:1-2 Pray for the influence of the Holy Spirit in your heart and in your speech so that you can deal respectfully with everyone, even with those whom you do not agree.

Psalm 97:10 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.

Lord, increase my love for You and my hatred for evil (Romans 12:9)

Psalm 98:1-6 1 Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
2 The Lord has announced his victory
and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!
3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4 Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break out in praise and sing for joy!
5 Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song,
6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn.
Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Lord, let my life be a joyful symphony before You.

Psalm 98:7-8 7 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the earth and all living things join in.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy

Lord, let me be as unreserved as nature, the sea, the earth, the rivers, the hills, in worshiping You.

Prayer for Israel

Today is Shavuot (Pentecost) here in Israel, and Israelis are celebrating with joy and thanksgiving.

However, this week started out for Israel with a big disappointment and, frankly, a question of “is this really, seriously happening?” Here’s the story…

A couple of months ago, PA President Mahmoud Abbas announced the soon-to-come unity government between Abbas’ Fatah and the terrorist organization Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza. 

Though there was some doubt regarding this actually happening, on Monday the unity government was sworn in.

Hamas, as you probably know, was established especially for war against Israel and its ultimate goal is Israel’s annihilation. It is recognized by the western world as a terrorist organization. Hamas leaders continue making threats against Israel and Israelis, swearing to continue Jihad (holy war) against us until we are erased from the map. To his defense, Abbas said the new government will follow his path of seeking peace with Israel. If anyone was inclined to believe this, Hamas statements that followed promised continuation of armed resistance against Israel.

Naturally, PM Netanyahu announced that Israel does not recognize this new government, and will not be involved in any negotiations with the government. Netanyahu also called on the entire world to follow Israel’s path and not recognize PA’s unity government. 

And then came the shock…

In a completely bizzare move, an announcement came out of the White House. U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration said it plans to work with and fund the new Palestinian unity government.

PRAY for supernatural protection of our borders, our military and our civilians. There has been an increase already of attempted attacks on Israel.

PRAY for wisdom for our leaders as they are seeking the best way to tackle this new situation.

PRAY for western world leaders to see through the facade of Abbas and that of Hamas, and reverse their decision to work with the new government.

PRAY for all terror attacks being initiated against Israel and Israelis to be thwarted.