1 Samuel 16 Lord God, I pray that you will direct ______________________ and me as you directed Samuel and show us what we are to do. When we suffer some great loss, as Samuel did with Saul, guide us through a thorough process of grieving and then show us when it is time to move on and to move forward to the next thing you have for us. I pray that your Spirit will come upon each of us in power as it came upon David. Transform each of us into a man or woman of valor and courage. Make us each a warrior in the Spirit. May each of us be discerning and prudent in our speech. May each be a man of good presence, and may it be evident that you are with us. I pray that each of us will learn not to assess people by looking on their appearance or stature. Instead may we realize that you do not see as man sees. We confess our temptation to look on the outward appearance of a man and form our opinion of him by what we see with the eyes of the flesh. Instead may we learn to see as you see, and look not on the outward appearance but on the heart. We even see that David had a fine appearance and handsome features, but it was not for those reasons that you picked him. May each of us be a man after your own heart as he was. In choosing political leaders for ourselves, I pray that we will not be fooled by impressive outward appearance and superficial things but instead look on the heart as you do and seek men who are men after your own heart and share your convictions and values. We also see the powerful and soothing effect of worship music in this story. Even though we may not be tormented by an evil spirit as Saul was, I pray that we all will find spiritual relief from any oppressing spirits and be refreshed by music that honors you. Make us worshipers who worship you in spirit and in truth. These things I ask in the name of Jesus, amen.