Could it be a sin not to pray?
I’ve taught on prayer too many times to count, and I don’t think I’ve ever taught THAT concept. I’ve told people they’re missing out on blessings. I’ve told them they’re missing out on fellowship with God. I’ve told them they will find it difficult, even impossible, to pursue God without prayer. But never, “you’re a sinner if you don’t pray.”
Then I came across the following verses a little while back.
1 Samuel 12:22-23
“For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.”
This is from the farewell speech of the prophet/judge Samuel to the people of Israel. He’s about to hand over the reins of leadership to Saul, the first-ever king of Israel. Up until now, God had been the King of His people, with judges like Samuel as His human representatives. Samuel has this one last shot to encourage the people he’s led for decades to keep following God.
And then he mentions his prayer life. He tells the people that if he “ceases praying” for them, it will be a sin against God. This implies that Samuel regularly prays for the people he leads, and that he intends to continue.
Here’s a new dimension of prayer to consider: it’s a sin for leaders not to regularly intercede for those they lead.
A sin, leaders. It’s a sin to not pray for your people.
Ouch.
Samuel also mentions that he will continue to instruct the people “in the good and right way.” Another great example to follow. However, I don’t know about you, but I think I have the instructing part down pretty good. The praying part—not so much.
There are so many other things to be said on this topic, and so many other great leadership applications from the rest of 1 Samuel 12 (you should read it). Unfortunately, I have to cut this short because I have an important meeting I’ve been putting off.
It’s a meeting with God, and there’s one really important agenda item: the people He’s entrusted to me to lead. Far be it from me to lead without praying—to instruct without interceding—and so sin against the LORD.