106 - "Don't Pray Against the Person, Pray Against His Words" 2 Samuel 15-16

She's only in 3rd grade but she is learning about friends who have their own agenda.  May we all pray for our friends with grace-filled words. Pray against their actions not against the person.
David learns that one of his senator's is now a conspirator.  Against him and what David stands for.  So David prays these words in 2 Samuel 15:31 --- confuse the counsel of this senator.  David didn't pray against the person but against his words, against the advice of his soul.  And David prays with the strong knowledge of a Sovereign God Who holds all words and hearts in His Hand.  One commentary says we must second our prayers with endeavours.  And David did.  No man holds the corner of the market on truth.  We can think and live and move and love and still need forgiveness.  Yet, David!  Great in wisdom and patience when treated so cruel.  The David who had just sinned beyond his recognition.  May we follow the footsteps of the One and Only Who holds us tight, never to let go, never to fail.  

#prayer

God will repay not only our service but also our suffering. Here it is in this story of David and Shimei. David could have retaliated. David and his men walking through a prosaic valley. Empurpled Shimei walking on the mountainside. Throwing rocks; throwing words. David's men long to rid the world of Shimei. David's humility prevails---what if? What if he is doing me harm because God told him to speak these derisive words. What if? "It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today." 2 Samual 16:12. Someone has been trying to hurt me in my life.  What if?

PHOTO:  Ezri and the birds at The Aquarium.  We go there every week. Hey Ezri---pray against their words not against the person.