“For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”
I Samuel 12:22-24 NKJV
Having anointed Saul as the first King over Israel, Samuel spoke words of edification, instruction, and warning to the people of Israel. He ends his speech by reminding the people they are G-d’s special people and that He will not forsake them. He’s then makes an interesting statement: “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you…”
Samuel recognized the importance of praying for the new King and for the People, and he acknowledged that to forsake his duty of intercession was a sin against G-d.
While meditating on this passage, I began to wonder about the sin of not “praying” and if there was any deeper meaning beyond the English translation.
The Hebrew word for “pray” in the passage above is pālal and means to “specifically intercede on behalf of”. Merriam Webster’s defines “intercede” as “to intervene.” And the etymology for “intercede” indicates our English translation comes from a compound of Latin words “inter” + “cedere” meaning go-between.
The type of prayer described by Samuel above is far more than the casual prayer over a meal. The prayer described above is targeted, specific, and sustained. It’s not a one-and-done drive-by prayer.
Today’s passage is convicting to me personally. I know intercession is important, and I’ve gone through seasons of sustained intercession over situations; however I don’t know that I ever thought of it as or realized it was a sin against G-d when I failed to do so. If I fail to truly intercede, I sin against Him. He’s called me to intervene before His throne for His people and for those He’s placed within my path, not just offer up a cursory word of prayer.
Recently, I’ve been convicted over my prayer life and have felt the Lord drawing me back to a place of deep intercession instead of just “praying”. While it’s good to teach my children His ways, it is ineffective without His intervention. May my heart be open and responsive to Him in the days to come.
Father, thank You for how You lovingly convict and draw me. Forgive me for being complacent and lazy in prayer. Make my heart responsive to You. Teach me to pray and interceded according to Your word and Your will. Stir in me the spirit of intercession that once burned bright and hot. Restore the joy of intercession. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
I Samuel 9-12