David’s acceptance of Abner’s covenant, aimed at uniting Israel, was disrupted when Joab killed Abner, threatening the unification. David, distancing himself from the murder, pronounced an extensive curse on Joab’s house and held mourning rites for Abner, stating that a great man was lost. These events showcase curse-prayers in response to betrayal, challenging modern interpretations of prayer that emphasize forgiveness over cursing.
Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he presents an overview of the prayers in second Samuel, before diving into the text and looking at each prayer.
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.
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.
Many people find themselves unable to give birth and this prayer addresses that difficult situation. Read this brief summary of Hannah’s prayer from first Samuel, along with a sample prayer that we might use.
Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he continues this study of prayer from the book of Ruth. This passage is a prayer vow, perhaps unusual today but not in the ancient world. What do we learn about vows and how we can we offer them in our own practice of prayer?
Should you always keep your vows to God? What if it was a vow with terrible consequences? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores this passage from Judges 11 about just such a vow. What can we learn about prayer files in our own spiritual lives?
Here is a brief summary of the prayers in the book of Joshua, by Dr. Mark McDowell. What do we learn from this book about prayer, where the Israelites are not always faithful to God?
A brief summary of the themes in the prayers found in the book of Joshua. Read here and then follow along for a detailed study of each prayer in the coming weeks. By Dr. Mark McDowell.
A summary of the prayers found in the book of Numbers. Dr. Markus McDowell explores the type, the historical context, and how we can use them in our own prayers.
