Day 9 – October 18, 2012 – 40 Day Spiritual Journey

REMINDER: TOMORROW’S FAST – COMPLACENCY
DESPERATE DAYS BRING ABOUT A DARING PRAYER
READ 1 Samuel 1: 9-18
REFLECT
The roads of life are so full of ups and downs. Often we feel full of desperation and are easily discouraged and defeated. My six year old grandson, only days before his annual roadside sale, got to ride this roller coaster of ups and downs. He planned and prepared for weeks, full of excitement for the upcoming event. The lemonade, a box of toys, even home painted feathers were priced, tagged and ready. Grandma was able to add her homemade scones to please the palate of kind neighbours. But he was sick! With a desperate voice, he pleaded with God for good health and success on the big sale day.
When the day arrived, he felt great. There he sat with his cash register ready, hoping, praying and expectantly waiting for customers. For eight long hours, he did not leave his post. When a few came along and then none for a while, he never gave up hope nor accepted defeat. In a determined move, using his scooter, he decided to look for the neighbours! Sure enough, he interested several more to buy from his stock. Cross-selling and up-selling, he was tenacious, bold and persistent in fulfilling his mission.
Hannah made a radical request to God that came out of a desperate heart and a passionate need, following years of suffering under constant harassment, ridicule and taunts. This was due to infertility which was a shame in her culture.
Finally, at the place of worship, she sobbed before God, intense in prayer, begging for a son, whom she wanted to dedicate totally to God. This would be a ‘living sacrifice’ to be given for God’s use only. (Romans 12:1). Here was a woman who knew to turn to God. God answered in an even greater way than she had asked or dreamed about. Her prayer of faith and dedication was answered in the birth of her son, Samuel, who grew up to boldly turn the hearts of the Israelites back to God.
BOTTOM LINE
God wants our prayers to be bold, honest and intentionally directed towards His will and purposes in our lives, our church and the world.
LIVE
When we pray, do we pour out our soul to God? Do we seek his purpose in what we pray about or are our prayers lacking a God-centered focus? Why not pray boldly and persistently, seeking God’s direction for specific requests.
PRAY
Lord, help us daily to ask for that which fits in with Your will, plans and purposes.
Diane Hibrant