Daily Devotional

Samuel tried to identify all the negative aspects of having a king to discourage the elders, but at this point, they were too angry to listen. They said: “We will have a king over us so that we also may be like all the nations.” In moments of failure, we tend to look down on ourselves, our efforts, our religion, or what we have. Stop trying to be like everyone else. You have a unique destiny. If God allowed you to fail, it is for a purpose. Identify the mistake and stop blaming God.

Those who treat prayer like magic have no respect for God. They see themselves as powerful and regard God as an object that will always do their bidding. Instead of begging God, they issue commands. Instead of acknowledging their nothingness like John the Baptist, who said he was unfit to untie the sandals of Jesus, they boast of their powers and even give themselves titles. Instead of praying for others and telling them not to publicise it (as Jesus did in today’s Gospel passage), they bring cameras to televise it. They reduce the sanctuary to a stage on which people clap and drop money onto the floor for the performer (in this case, the man of God). Church services quickly transform into concerts when prayer is seen as magic.

Prayer is not all about informing God of our needs and problems (as if He does not already know). Prayer is a relationship, a dialogue. As we talk, we must listen because God speaks to us when we come into His presence. Additionally, as Eli coached Samuel in responding, we need spiritual directors to guide our spiritual growth.