Interceding with God

Then Samuel said, "Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the Lord for you."
1 sam. 7:5

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines." Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel's behalf, and the Lord answered him.
1 sam. 7:8-9

prayer... speaking with God... requesting God to do something... seeking wisdom from God... begging God to deliver us... thanking Him for answering our prayers... praising Jesus for saving us... isn't it amazing that the God of the universe desires us to speak with Him about what's on our hearts?

this passage, 1 samuel 7, speaks of samuel stepping up to the plate and crying out with God on behalf of the israelites. (did you noticed the word 'with'? how cool is that?) and i can imagine Jesus kneeling with His head to the ground, and Samuel next to Him in the same position. and all their words intertwined - where one ends the other begins. kinda how Jesus met with God on the mount of olives before He was betrayed.

hebrews 5:6 says, 'During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.' guess samuel did the same for His people. guess i should be doing the same for my people.

i know that life is lived in two realms, the physical and the spiritual. and tho i know of the spiritual, my focus tends to fall on the physical. and paul tells us that our battle isn't against humans, but against the spiritual forces manifesting themselves thru humans. (eph. 6:12) so tho it may not look like i am in a war zone, i cannot deny that i live in barracks. and with Jesus and samuel, my prayers shall be of the same urgency as they interceded with God to save their people from the enemies waging war against their souls.

denise and i were discussing some events which took place this weekend. saturday morning there was an accident involving about 50 students and leaders travelling to a christian spiritual retreat. on saturday this man gave denise's car a door ding, and acted as tho it was her fault. then on the way home from an event later saturday night, we were stuck in traffic b/c of an accident. let me re-emphasize: i cannot deny that i am involved in a war.

Jesus,
how can i be so oblivious to the war that is raging all around me? may Your grace flood over me, giving me wisdom on how to combat the forces of evil. help me to see past the physical and know who is under fire. sensitize my heart to not only see the war, but to use the weapons You've taught me to use. Your people are not defenseless, tho they too often fail to use their weapons. thank You for choosing me to be a soldier in Your army. i want to be a valiant fighter for You. let me not be ineffective.

Your protection around that bus shows of Your love. Holy Spirit, encompass each of these people affected by this accident to see that You love them and have protected them. i pray over the service tonight for the youth in our community. may You use the speaker to express the Truth You want us to hear. i pray against distraction, equipment failure, and unbelief. may lives be changed by the blood that cleanse us from sin. come, Holy Spirt, in power and might that we may see God clearly and be convicted of our sin and released from the chains of the evil one. You are God of all, and father to those who long for a dad. let us draw near to You, embracing the grace You have for us. set the captives free, Jesus, please.
in the power of Jesus' name ~ Amen
*Jack *Courtney *Melissa