In Everything, Pray!

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)

The era of judges has concluded with Samuel, and the age of kings is starting with Saul. Samuel, who knows that the people made a poor choice putting a king above God for leadership, gives his farewell address. He starts by reminding the people of all the misery that God has delivered them from. He then presents their king and reminds them the importance of following God's guidance. He reminds them once more that they did a wicked thing in asking for a king to lead them instead of God, and lets them know that even in their sin, they can still seek the Lord and serve him. He tells them that God will always be there for them and that no matter the circumstance, he will always pray for them.

Do you have a family member or someone you know stuck in an addiction or living on the streets? Have you told them that the path they are on will lead to destruction and they think you are nagging them? Have you tried fixing their addiction for them to no avail? Like Samuel, we need to start with prayer for our loved ones who are caught up in addiction. Luke 18:1 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Jesus told the disciples that the persistent requests of the widow to the unjust judge got her the justice she needed. Jesus then tells his disciples that God will bring about justice for the chosen ones who pray to Him day and night. Prayer matters and we need to pray day and night for the addicted.

Choose to pray continually for an addicted loved one. Don't try to fix, because it is not your place. That is between them and God. Instead let them know you love them and are praying for them. Let them know that you will help them when they are ready for recovery. Offer to help them get in a recovery program. Offer to take them to meetings or help find a program that works for them. Tell them about Celebrate Recovery or any other Christ based program. Research shows that 82% of patients who experienced a "spiritual awakening" during recovery remained sober after one year, compared to 55% without a spiritual component. So, God does matter and it is important that in everything, to keep praying.