Scripture Reading: Hosea 13:11-12
I gave thee a king in mine anger and took him away in my wrath.

Reflections: There was no monarch in Israel at first. God was their king, and He ruled through priests and judges. People began to worry about who would be the next leader in Samuel’s time, as his sons, who were judges, did not follow the Lord. They opted to adopt the kingship system of the surrounding nations. They presented this plea to the Lord and pressed him to grant it. Although He granted their request, we can infer from Hosea’s prophecy that God did so in fury. It is noteworthy that Saul, the first king of Israel, did not remain in power for long due to his intentional mistakes. Hosea describes his removal as a consequence of God’s anger. This story teaches us that while we can ask God for what we need, we should be wise enough to seek only what aligns with his will.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me align my prayer requests to your will.

Confession: I align my prayer requests to the divine will.