Sunday, September 19th
1 Sam 18: 14
“And David had success in all his undertakings; for the Lord was with him.”
- What are undertakings? Actions, deeds
- Do you think we can ask the Lord to be with us to help us in our actions every day?
- Let’s ask God to help us now. Say a short prayer together.
Monday, September 20th
1 Sam 23: 1-4
“Now they told David, “Behold, the Philis’tines are fighting against Kei’lah, and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore, David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philis’tines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Kei’lah.” But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Kei’lah against the armies of the Philis’tines?” Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Kei’lah; for I will give the Philis’tines into your hand.”” (1 Sam 23: 1-4)
- What did you hear?
- Who does David want to help? The people of Kei’lah
- Who does David ask first? The Lord
- Are David’s men afraid?
- But what does God tell David?
- I wonder if we can ask God about things we are thinking of doing? Do you think He will help us know the right thing to do?
Tuesday, September 21st
Note: up to this point, Saul had not dealt justly with David. In fact, he had tried many times to harm him. In chapter 24, David has an opportunity to harm Saul, but chooses not to because Saul was the Lord’s anointed.
You may find that some of the next chapters may not be suitable to younger children. We encourage you to read the passages ahead of time.
1 Sam 24: 16-20
“When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you with evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.” (1 Sam 24: 16-20)
- What did you hear?
- Does it sound like Saul is sorry for trying to harm David?
- How does Saul want the Lord to reward David?
- How should we treat our enemies?
Wednesday, September 22nd
1 Sam 25: 35
“Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; and he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house; see, I have listened to your voice, and I have granted your petition.” (1 Sam 25:35)
- “Go in Peace”, have we heard this before? At the dismissal at Mass, in reconciliation
- What is a petition? A request for for ourselves or someone else
- I wonder who listens to our voice and grants our petitions? Our Lord God
Thursday, September 23rd
1 Sam 26: 23-25
“The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put forth my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place.” (1 Sam 26: 23-25)
- I wonder what that word anointed means? Chosen one
- Have you been anointed? Yes, at baptism
- Does that mean the Lord has chosen us? Yes!
- Let’s thank God today for choosing us. Short prayer
Friday, September 24th
1 Sam 27: 1-2
“And David said in his heart, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” So David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Acish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.” (1 Sam 27: 1-2)
- What did you hear?
- Where did David decide to go? To the land of the Philistines
- Why? To escape Saul who was trying to harm David
- I wonder what will happen?
Saturday, September 25th
1 Sam 28: 1-2
“In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Understand that you and your men are to go out with me in the army.” David said to Achish, “Very well, you shall know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.” (1 Sam 28: 1-2)
- I wonder why David and his men must fight with the Philistines? Because they are now living among them.
- Does it sound like King Achish trusts David?
- Why? He makes him his body guard?