Samuel's Witness of Prayer

19The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”

20“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” (1 Samuel 12:19-25) 

Thoughts: Samuel was well respected among the people.  His sons were not.  The time of the judges and the hope of theocracy was over.  The judges and the people had God as their king in name only.  The truth is everyone did what was right in their own eyes (17:6; 21:25).  The choosing of a king was the rejection of the kingship of God.  Samuel, however, was encouraging them to not give up their faith even if they were giving up the idea of a theocracy.
    One of the great things about Samuel was his love and prayers for his people.  Verse 23 is a great witness to all of us to intercede for others.  He believes it would be a sin for him not to pray for them.  Praying for one another is important.  It helps us to remember each other, and helps us to remember that the Lord is important for all of us.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember to pray for others.  I lift up to you those who are dear to me.