Seeking Divine Guidance

August 9, 2022 in Today's Prayer by TGV

JUDGES 1B: PRAYER GUIDE.

Judges 1: Prayer Guide/ 7-BSG-1B (Judges 1:1-2)/ Theme: Seeking divine guidance/ Hymn: Open my Eyes that I may see!


 

Key Text: “Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up. Indeed, I have delivered the land into his hand.” (Judges 1:1–2, NKJV)

Opening Remarks: “The Hebrew word here translated “asked” is frequently also rendered “to inquire of,” or “to ask counsel of” (see chs. 18:5; 20:18). The word is used for the priest’s inquiry of Urim and Thummim (Num. 27:21), which was possibly the method employed here. It is noteworthy that the Israelites did ask counsel of the Lord. While Joshua was alive, they had leaned on him. Now, left leaderless and confronted with danger, they did not rely on their own wisdom, but in harmony with the instruction of Moses, they asked God to direct them (see James 1:5). Theirs was a simple and direct request, devoid of “vain repetitions” (Matt. 6:7). The eloquence of prayer is in its sense of need and its directness. It is as imperative in the 20th century as in the days of the judges that God’s people seek divine guidance before making vital decisions. This seeking must not be done hurriedly, carelessly, or with the mind made up and the decision already reached beforehand. Such prayer for guidance is a mockery. God honors only those who come to Him sincerely and with an open mind—those who are willing to follow in the path He marks out.” – (SDA BC 2:307–308).

Values to Build On: Faith, Prayer, Obedience, and Service (see section “7-BSG-1Y” for more comments)

Sins to Avoid/ Confess: Slavery; Cruelty (ruthlessness); Failure or refusal to drive out “all of” the Canaanites – ” those specific sins that “easily ensnares us” (Heb 12:1) and put a wall of separation between God and us (cf. Isa 59:1-2).

Something to Thank God: Blessings, God’s presence, God’s providence, God’s mercy/ compassion, Answered Prayers, Divine revelation, Victory over evil forces.

Issues to Pray For: Seeking God’s will through Prayer, Courage to drive out the Canaanites, Faith that is evidenced by obedience to do God’s will.

Today’s Promise: “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV)

 

JUDGES 1Z: CLOSING PRAYER.

Closing Prayer/ Judges 1, (7-BSG-1Z)/ Is there a prayer I can pray/echo in this chapter? Yes.


 

Prayer: Father, we thank You again for Your word in Judges chapter one. We thank You for the gift of life, for another chance to hear the Gospel and make necessary changes in our lives.

Father, we saw a list of sins in this chapter. Like Israel of old, we are sinners in need of the Savior. Help us to investigate and identify ‘the Canaanites’ residing in our hearts and repent at once.

We thank You for listening to our prayers! When the children of Israel inquired of You concerning matters of war (conquering the enemy), You not only answered but gave them victory (Judges 1:1–2). We know that anyone who sincerely comes to You for directions will never be turned down. Many times, due to faithlessness, we miserably fail in our endeavors. Father, help us to take advantage of this privilege of communing with You. May we never forget that our strength is in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph 6:10).

Dear Father, be Thou ever with me in all my temptations, difficulties, and trials of life. Be Thou with me in all my disappointments and failures. Uphold me by Thine arm, which bringeth salvation, and I shall be “more than a conqueror” (Rom 8:37) in Jesus Christ. Surround me with Thy word, love, and Angelic protection. Fill me with Thy Spirit that I may be “able to stand against the wiles of the devil’ (Eph. 6:10-13).

“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me!” And I begin the Book of Judges, may Thy Spirit teach me to obey Thy will, commands, and instructions. Forgive us, dear Lord, and prepare us for Thy kingdom. We thank You, Father, and we come believing and trusting in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

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