I Asked the Lord
Today’s Verse:
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. ~1 Samuel 1:20
Names in the Bible have great significance about the person’s character and life. Samuel is one of those men whose name indicated his life theme and story. His name means “I have asked him of the Lord” or “asked of God.” The biography of Samuel, from start to finish, is of a man born to be an intercessor and a prayer warrior.
We see his conception.
Samuel was conceived and, nine months later, born out of a prayer request. His name indicates he was an answer to prayer. Prayer is asking God to do what we cannot do. It is, in faith and desperation, asking God to do what is humanly impossible. As a ministry, we should see and exercise prayer in giving birth to miracles. I have had many occasions of a married couple coming to me after experiencing many miscarriages or a doctor’s diagnosis that they were infertile. Together in my office, we have prayed for God to reverse this situation, and, weeks later, they have called to joyfully tell me that the wife has conceived. I am thankful for babies that have been born who were miracle conceptions.
We see his cultivation.
From an early age, Samuel was enlisted into the service of the Lord. I believe the little coat his mother made him combined with her annual visits were exciting mother-and-son talk times that instilled a sensitivity and development of prayer in him. A prayer life doesn’t happen by accident. It is a life that is cultivated daily through discipline and devotion. Even though Eli and his sons were not good role models, Samuel developed a life that prayed without ceasing.
We see his capability.
“And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.” Samuel had a reputation of being able to get a hold of God. The Philistines were defeated countless times because Samuel prayed. Paul told Timothy that men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands; without wrath and without doubting. Our praying must be the kind of praying that God is pleased to answer. Capable praying is praying that results in God doing exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
We see his continuity.
Samuel told the people, “God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you.” He modeled intercessory praying. He prayed for the nation of Israel. He knew the men by name and called out their names before the Lord. He modeled praying without ceasing. He was ready to pray anywhere and at any time. He always had praying on the tip of his tongue. He never grew weary of praying. He saw ceasing to pray as a sin. The people knew that he prayed for them and begged him to cease not in praying for them. Paul taught that we must be instant in prayer, incessant in prayer, importune in prayer, and impactful through prayer.
Samuel is remembered in Israel’s history as a man of prayer. Psalm 99:6 and Jeremiah 15:1 testify that Samuel called on the Lord and stood before Him. Take some time today to cultivate your prayer life. Make a list of things to pray for.
Have a praying God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Zephaniah 1-3