Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. Samuel, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, exemplifies this practice through his life and ministry. As a prophet, judge, and leader of Israel, Samuel's intercessory prayers were instrumental in guiding the nation and seeking God's favor.

Early Life and Calling

Samuel's life of intercession began even before his birth. His mother, Hannah, fervently prayed for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord's service (1 Samuel 1:10-11). God answered her prayer, and Samuel was born. From a young age, he was brought to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where he served under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Samuel's calling as a prophet was confirmed when the Lord spoke to him directly, revealing His plans for Israel (1 Samuel 3:10-11).

Intercession for Israel

Samuel's role as an intercessor is prominently displayed during critical moments in Israel's history. When the Israelites faced oppression from the Philistines, they turned to Samuel for guidance. Samuel instructed them to return to the Lord with all their hearts and to rid themselves of foreign gods (1 Samuel 7:3). As the people gathered at Mizpah, Samuel interceded for them, offering a burnt offering and crying out to the Lord on their behalf. The Lord responded by delivering Israel from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:9-10).

Leadership and Prayer

Throughout his leadership, Samuel consistently sought God's guidance through prayer. When the Israelites demanded a king to rule over them, Samuel was displeased. He prayed to the Lord, who instructed him to heed the people's request, albeit with a warning about the consequences of their choice (1 Samuel 8:6-9). Samuel's intercession reflected his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the nation and his desire to align their actions with God's will.

Intercession for King Saul

Samuel's relationship with King Saul further illustrates his role as an intercessor. After Saul disobeyed God's command, Samuel mourned for him and cried out to the Lord all night (1 Samuel 15:11). Despite Saul's failures, Samuel continued to pray for him, demonstrating his commitment to intercede even for those who strayed from God's path.

Legacy of Intercession

Samuel's legacy as an intercessor is acknowledged in the Scriptures. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord mentions Samuel alongside Moses as examples of powerful intercessors, indicating the profound impact of their prayers (Jeremiah 15:1). Samuel's life serves as a testament to the power and importance of intercessory prayer in seeking divine intervention and guidance.

Conclusion

Samuel's life and ministry highlight the critical role of intercessory prayer in the spiritual leadership of Israel. His unwavering commitment to pray for others, seek God's guidance, and align the nation's actions with divine will underscores the transformative power of intercession in the biblical narrative.1 Samuel 7:5
And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Intercessory Prayer
... Never was there a mightier prophet than Moses, and never one more intensely earnest
in intercessory prayer. Or pass on, if you will, to the days of Samuel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

The Climax of Prayer.
... wholly with one's self. Of equal necessity intercessory prayer is objective;
it has to do wholly with others. There is even here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the climax of prayer.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... On one occasion, Samuel said unto the people, "Moreover as ... king, that they had in
Israel a man of prayer. ... Intercessory prayer is a means of grace to those who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Whether a Man Can Merit the First Grace for Another
... hand: it is said in Jer.15:1: "Though Moses and Samuel stood before ... On the second
point: intercessory prayer depends on mercy, whereas merit depends on condign ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article six whether a man.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... is inexhaustible instruction in our Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we ... and Paul and
in our own Samuel Rutherford ... No prayer,"no faith,"no Christ in the heart ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... 1:Sam.7:5, 12; 8:16-18); personal (1:Sam.15:11, 35; 16:1). In Jeremiah (15:1) Moses
and Samuel are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... worship and the chanting of hymns"eg, of Moses and Miriam, and Hannah (Samuel's
mother)"in full operation under Samuel. ... "The great Intercessory Prayer. XI. ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

The Costliness of Prayer
... Joseph Butler told Dr. Samuel Clarke that the Being and the ... Take any man of prayer
you like, and you ... Take Paul's intercessory prayers for the Ephesians and the ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvi the costliness of prayer.htm

Under the Olive Trees.
... is really, therefore, a sort of specimen of the praying for us in which He is now
engaged, and so is commonly called the intercessory or high-priestly prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/under the olive trees.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... psalm,[608] a part of which, at least, we know he repeated on the Cross, and which
is prophetic of his exercises there, and his intercessory prayer, contain at ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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