The sin of ceasing to pray for others

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you. 1 Samuel 12:23

What an amazing statement! This quote is from Samuel as he was giving up his position as judge over Israel, now that the people rejected God’s reign. Of course, we know that King Saul had been anointed and confirmed as ruler over Israel, as per the people’s request.

Samuel's words are interesting: he considers failing to pray for others to be a SIN before God. Most of the time, we would consider failing to pray for others to be a slip-up when we get too busy. Our attitude towards prayer means that prayer is the first thing dropped when we are pressed for time, but suddenly remembered when we are desperate. Samuel had lived his entire life with God, and his attitude towards prayer is much more serious; failing it was a sin in his eyes.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:1) is what the New Testament says, but how often do we miss the importance that people such as Samuel and, more significantly, our Lord put on prayer.

While we may not be called to lead a nation, keeping Samuel's seriousness about prayer for others is a good idea. That verse in Samuel has really struck a chore with me, needless to say, I have let down many people by ceasing to pray for them, and may have even sinned before God.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9