"Saymeando!"

“Saymeando!” Do we know this word? Does it characterize our life? No, it is not from the Hebrew. Nor is it from the Greek. It is actually merely three words I stuck together: say, mean, and do. When it comes to others, we don’t always have control over what they say. Nor do we have control over the meaning behind their words, whether or not they are sincere. Neither do we have power over the actions of others. However, we do have that power over ourselves and -- with regard to others -- we can KEEP THEM IN OUR PRAYERS!

After Saul had been established as king over Israel because the people had wanted a king ( 1 Samuel 8:19-20), Samuel, now old and gray ( 1 Samuel 12:2), gave a farewell address to the nation. In that farewell he provided opportunity for his character to be scrutinized and the people acknowledged the complete integrity of his life lived before them. ( 1 Samuel 12:2-5) Samuel also reminded the people of the deliverance from Egypt, their history of turning away from God, and the leaders God had raised up to deliver them again and again. ( 1 Samuel 12:6-11) He then exhorted them regarding the importance of both they and their king continuing in obedience to God. ( 1 Samuel 12:14-15) Calling upon the Lord to send thunder and rain, the people were struck with great fear before the Lord. God’s power was to be recognized and respected. ( 1 Samuel 12:16-18) Acknowledging their sin before God the people then ASKED SAMUEL TO PRAY FOR THEM. ( 1 Samuel 12:19)

Samuel responded…
“(23) Moreover, AS FOR ME, FAR BE IT FROM ME THAT I SHOULD SIN AGAINST THE LORD BY CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. (24) Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. (25) But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” ( 1 Samuel 12:23-25 ESV)

Reading this passage I was struck by how Samuel saw it as a sin to cease praying for the people. Knowing what their tendency was, he knew he needed to KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM. But is it not also wrong (even sin) for us to tell people we will KEEP THEM IN OUR PRAYERS and then fail to do so? Perhaps it would be a good idea to write down the prayer request and place it where we will see it to remind us that we said we would. Maybe we should even say at the time, “Let’s pray right now.”

“Saymeando!” SAY it! MEAN it! DO it! Hopefully others will do the same for us since we are all in need of prayer. We don’t even have to know all the details because we call upon the God Who knows. May unceasing prayer ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17) continue.

Have a great day OF FAITHFUL PRAYER TO THE FAITHFUL FATHER!
Carl

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