Enrich your prayers: A Summary of the Prayers of First Samuel
A summary of the prayers in first Samuel: types, purposes, and what we can learn from them to enrich our own prayers. By Dr. Mark McDowell.
Praying Even When You Think You Know the Answer (1 Sam 30.8)
Sometimes faith requires us to act on things unseen, and to turn to God at times even when we think the “right thing” is crystal clear. How does prayer play a role in doing the right thing, even when we think we already know what it is? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores this prayer in First Samuel that addresses these issues.
Does God Run Out of Patience? (1 Sam 28.6)
Is God capable of running out of patience with us? What happens if he does run out of patience— are we doomed? Explore these questions with Dr. Mark McDowell as he examines this prayer passage from First Samuel 28.
Prayer and Emotion, Revenge and Mercy (1 Sam 24.12, 15, 19)
Are we careful enough in our responses to God’s answers? Emotions can blur reality, and it can make us blind to our selfishness. How does this relate to our prayers? Join Dr Mark McDowell as he explores these ideas in this prayer from 1 Sam 24.
How to Pray for God’s Will (1 Sam 23.21)
How do we seek God’s will through prayer? How do we keep our own biases and desires out of the way? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores this prayer from First Samuel.
Seeking answers from God (1 Sam 23.2, 4, 10–11)
If we are trying to follow God’s will, how do we know that we are? How do we know that what we think God wants us is truly what he wants? Dr. Mark McDowell as he explorer this prayer from first Samuel, and how it might address some of these issues for us in our prayer life.
Offering Unpopular Prayers (1 Sam 22.10, 13, 16)
Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he studies this prayer by a priest that cost him his life in First Samuel 22. What can we learn about offering a bold prayer, an unpopular prayer, or a prayer that we might be criticized for?
When God’s Answers Seem Wrong to Us (1 Sam 20.13, 16)
Sometimes when we pray for things, God does not answer or we get something different then we asked for. What should be our approach in such situations? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explore this passage from first Samuel which addresses these issues.
Is it possible to pray too rashly? (1 Sam 14.41)
The prayer in 1 Samuel reflects Saul’s reckless leadership and reliance on casting lots for guidance, highlighting his flawed decision-making. Jonathan’s better grasp of command is evident in his actions during a battle. Saul’s rashness is further demonstrated through his fasting order and vow to kill the wrongdoer, revealing his ill-conceived decisions as a king of Israel.
How to Find Your Role Through prayer (1 Sam 12.8, 10, 17, 18, 19, 23)
How do we know what role we should play in our church community, family, work, or other situation? Often we might think it is about our talents and experience. But is that always true? Join Dr. Markus McDowell as he explores this issue through this prayer from First Samuel.