Prayer Journal

Wednesday, June 5, 2002

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped me'". 1 Samuel 7:12

If you've attended very many church services in your life, then you probably sung the hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". (1) If so, then you've mentioned the word, "Ebenezer," and probably wondered what that was all about, just to forget about it.

Who knows but you have even mistakenly thought the song referenced Scrooge from the popular story by Charles Dickens called, "The Christmas Carol". Well, it's not Ebenezer Scrooge that we're talking about here. Ebenezer is the name Samuel gave to an inanimate object, namely a stone to serve a spiritual purpose among God's people.

The songwriter said of the object, "Hither by Thy help I'm come". Does the object named "Ebenezer" have some mystical spiritual power to help us? Not really, but it's important that we understand the significance of raising an Ebenezer in our life.

The Ebenezer stone had no spiritual power in itself, but it was simply a reminding symbol of God's power working in those who trust him. And don't we need such a reminder seeing that we often forget the source of our strength and blessing? We need to do this so in those times of conflict or struggle, we will remember that God has been with us and helped us get through.

Samuel placed Ebenezer in a noticeable position between two cities, so that whether coming or going, the people would see Ebenezer and be reminded of God's faithfulness.

Listen friend, do you have an Ebenezer in your life? You aren't relying on your memory alone, are you? Everyone needs a reminder ever now and again. Why not create an Ebenezer so you will remember upon seeing it that God has helped you thus far. Who knows but it will be just what you need to get you through today?

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

(1) Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, by Robert Robinson
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998,2002 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries - All Rights Reserved

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I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers

* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans

* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself