"Icons of Intercession"

(Biblical Men and Women of Empowered Prayer #5)

Hearing God's Voice

1 Samuel 3:6-11:

6 "The Lord called Samuel again. The boy did not know that it was the Lord, because the Lord had never spoken to him before. 7 So he got up, went to Eli, and said, "You called me, and here I am." But Eli answered, "My son, I didn't call you; go back to bed." 8 The Lord called Samuel a third time; he got up, went to Eli, and said, "You called me, and here I am." Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy, 9 so he said to him, "Go back to bed; and if he calls you again, say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went back to bed. 10 The Lord came and stood there, and called as he had before, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak; your servant is listening."

Question: "I am the handmaiden of the Lord, may it be done unto me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Do you know the Lord's voice?Are you willing to do whatever He asks of you?

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Perserverance

1Samuel 7:7-11:

 7 "When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the five Philistine kings started out with their men to attack them. The Israelites heard about it and were afraid, 8 and said to Samuel, "Keep praying to the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines." 9 Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to the Lord. Then he prayed to the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered his prayer. 10 While Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack; but just then the Lord thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic. 11 The Israelites marched out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines almost as far as Bethcar, killing them along the way."

Question: "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed..." What areas of your life are in need of persistent prayer? Are you willing to persist and trust in the Lord?