What’s a Believer to Do? Following Jesus in an Age of Tragedy “Pray!” (Billy Russell 09/01/19)

What’s a Believer to Do?
Following Jesus in an Age of Tragedy
“Pray!” (1Sam.12:23)

Samuel is facing leadership challenges w/ Saul’s anointing as king. The tragedy is the people have rejected God's leadership over them. While Samuel could quietly step away, he instead vows publicly to engage in the ministry of intercessory prayer. We have much to learn from his example.

Intercessory prayer is... talking with God about the needs we see/sense
around us.
It is asking God to intervene in His wisdom, His way, and His timing.
It is not directing God to act or perform as we think best!

Intercessory prayer is intensely personal (v.23). Twice Samuel professes
his personal conviction (“as for me... far be it from me...”).
He embraces this responsibility to intercede personally.
Prayer is doing something! Prayer is and does more than we think.
Intercessory prayer is entrusting to God what is beyond our control,
ability, and influence.
Intercessory prayer acknowledges His power & our dependence on it.

Intercessory prayer is costly (v.23)-
He sees failure to engage in such personal prayer ministry as breaking
his relationship w/ God (“...sin against the Lord...”).
Prayer costs his preference, attitude, energy, time, etc.

Intercessory prayer changes us (vv.23-25)!
It changes our role. He desires to teach "what is good and right" (v.23).
It changes our reach. He stands in the gap for God's people (vv.24-25).
It changes our relationship with God (perspective/attitude changes).

Let’s practice what Samuel (and Jesus) did- pray! (cf. Jn.17:20-26)
Does a situation viscerally move me? (sad/concerned/frustrated/angry)
Am I helpless to intervene and feel desperate to do something?
Does the situation cry out for God’s intervention?