A Prayer About Obedience

When I analyze my actions

MY LORD AND MY GOD,

I read the story of Samuel confronting King Saul after Israel’s victory over the Amalekites. Saul had disobeyed God’s direct command and rationalized his actions with words about making sacrifices to you. Saul had it all—power, prestige, and your blessing, but he lost everything. Here he totally missed the point and thought that going through religious motions could take care of his sin. It seems obvious that it couldn’t, but I wonder if I ever do that. At times I think that if I go to church more, toss more in the offering, or even read the Bible more, you will think better of me, simply because I am “sacrificing” for you. But you want my heart. And when my heart is right, I will read your Word, listen for your voice, and wholeheartedly obey your commands. Keep me from superficial obedience, Lord. I don’t want to be a hypocrite, a phony follower. I want to love you with all of my being and to live as you want me to in every area of life.

Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22