2 Samuel 2:1-3:5, 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4a, 11:10-47

The tribe of Judah crowns David as their king and David moves to Hebron.  Upon hearing of Saul’s burial David sends a message to the rest of Israel requesting that they accept him as their king.  However, the commander of Saul’s army, Abner, has already gone to Saul’s son and proclaimed him king.  This leads to conflict between the men of David and the men of Saul.  Eventually Israel and Judah descend into full scale war, which lasts for many years.  Over time, Saul’s dynasty begins to erode and David becomes more powerful.

Filed Under Bible Study | Leave a Comment 

A Prayer

Great Counselor,

You are a wonderful Father to your children; providing guidance in the times we will listen, allowing us to fail in the times we will not hear. You far surpass the the wisest sage, and are more powerful than the greatest warrior. Too often I ignore your guidance; keep me within your will. Too often your people do not listen; open our ears in spite of ourselves. Thank you for the blessings you have given: new life, new hearts, new minds, new eyes, new ears, new spirits. Refresh these gifts with the constant presence of your cleansing wind. Energize our hands, our feet, and our wills; energize us with your power and desires. Counsel us as to your ways and may we follow your wise direction for as long as the breath of life remains.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

Great Father of glory; pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render; O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!

Thank you God. Amen.

Filed Under Prayer | Leave a Comment