A Prayer for Divine Protection and Guidance
"And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even." - 1 Samuel 20:5
Heavenly Father,
As I come before You today, I am reminded of the profound relationship of trust and loyalty between David and Jonathan, as captured in 1 Samuel 20:5, where David expresses his intent to remain hidden from King Saul to ensure his safety. "And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even." Lord, this verse illustrates the urgency of seeking refuge in times of peril and the importance of discerning when to act and when to withdraw.
I thank You, Father, for the example of David who, despite being anointed for greatness, knew the value of humility and discretion. He had the strength to flee rather than confront outright danger when it was wise to do so. Lord, like David, help me to be sensitive to the circumstances around me and to listen intently to Your voice. May I never be so foolish as to stubbornly confront my fears without first seeking Your counsel.
As I reflect on this delicate balance between courage and wisdom, I pray that Your Holy Spirit guides my heart and mind. Instill in me the wisdom to know when to step forward in faith and when to retreat in prayer. Teach me, dear Lord, that both approaches can be extreme acts of bravery when they are rooted in obedience to You. Just as David did not shy away from danger because he was afraid, but instead took calculated steps to preserve his life, so may I take the necessary steps, informed by Your wisdom and prudence.
I beseech You, Father, to keep me under Your protection as I navigate the challenges in my life. Surround me with individuals like Jonathan, loyal and true, who will support me when the storms of life seem overwhelming. May I always find companionship in those who share my values and faith, and may we encourage one another in our respective journeys towards righteousness.
Grant me the strength, O Lord, to rely on You in moments of uncertainty. When faced with trials, may I remember the grace and mercy You have shown me countless times in the past. Let Your promises be my stronghold as I confront the new moons in my life, those times signifying new phases, changes, and trials that may appear daunting.
As I consider David's choice to hide in the field, I understand the symbolism of seeking refuge in Your presence. Lord, may I find my hiding place in You. For You are my shelter, my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. I pray that I may retreat into Your arms when I feel hunted by the pressures of this world. Equip me with the tools to lay down my worries and anxieties before You, casting all my burdens upon You, knowing that You care for me (1 Peter 5:7).
Heavenly Father, as we move forward into the uncertainties of tomorrow, may the spirit of resilience, that David embodied, manifest in my heart. Help me not to fear what lies ahead, but instead to embrace each day with courage and faith. Teach me to prepare myself for the journey ahead, even as David prepared to hide in the field, knowing that Your protection would be his shield against harm.
In humility, I bow before You and ask for Your guidance in all my endeavors. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else, seeking nourishment at Your table just as David would have at the king’s feast. May my spirit hunger and thirst for closeness with You, which alone can satisfy my deepest needs.
I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, who is my shield and my salvation. Amen.
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1 Samuel 20:5 - "And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even."
1Sa 20:5-7 (KJVA) 5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. 6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. 7 If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.
"And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even." - 1 Samuel 20:5
2 Samuel 20:5 - "So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him."
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
1 Samuel 28:15-20
1 Samuel 20:27-30
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Thessalonians 5:20 - "Despise not prophesyings."
1 Samuel 7:5 - "And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD."
James 1:5-20
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 5: 3-4
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
1 Samuel 15:5 - "And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley."
1 Samuel 5:1 - "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod."
1 Samuel 19:20 - "And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."
1 Samuel 28:20 - "Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night."
1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 12:20 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;"
"So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him." - 2 Samuel 20:5
1 Samuel 5:5 - "Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day."
1 Samuel 20:4 - "Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee."
1 Samuel 20:33 - "And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
"Despise not prophesyings." - 1 Thessalonians 5:20
1 Samuel 20:35 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him."