Daily Bible Reading – May 2022 God’s Renewing Word of PromiseSample

May 9

Introduction

During a war with the Philistines, the Israelites bring the Covenant Box to the battlefield. The Covenant Box contained the two flat stones on which were carved the Ten Commandments. In the ensuing battle, the Philistines capture the Covenant Box, and the sons of Eli are killed.

Scripture Reading

1 Samuel 4:1-11

Today’s Key Verse:1 Samuel 4:3b

[The leaders of Israel said:] “Let’s go and bring the LORD’s Covenant Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us from our enemies.”

Reflect

Why did the Israelites want the Covenant Box brought from Shiloh to the battlefield? How did the Philistines react when they heard that the Covenant Box had arrived? What words encouraged the Philistines to continue fighting (verse 9)?

Pray

Loving and merciful God, draw me close to you. Whenever I am downhearted, may I sense your presence and your sheltering love. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

And now, join us in praying for the next generations in Serbia to experience God’s love through God’s Word. Holy God, we lift up the efforts of the Bible Society of Serbia in partnership with local churches to bring the comfort and peace of your Word to a generation of young people who desperately need it. God, please reverse the trend of hopelessness, stress, and fear resulting from a high youth unemployment rate of 49.5%, a high rate of drug abuse, and 800,000 children living at or below the poverty line. May your Word continue to be introduced to children and youth in churches, summer camps, hospitals, and centers for drug addicts, along with weekly Bible reading groups, to help youth discover your love. Thank you, God, that many young lives will be impacted by your Word. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Samuel 4:12-22: Eli dies upon receiving word that the Covenant Box was captured by the Philistines.