09/02/2026
Day 10 | September 2nd
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (NIV)
Lord, YAHWEH, God Almighty, today is yet another day that history will be recorded in the Global Methodist Church. Delegates from across our connection have nominated candidates from whom some will be elected Bishops to serve our fast-growing denomination. Lord Yahweh, I present before you these nominated candidates.
Lord Jesus Christ, search the hearts of the Delegates, may the Holy Spirit filter their common human trait of judging based on outward appearances that is contrary to God’s way of looking at the heart. As each and every one reflects on all that they might have read, consulted and concluded in their human judgment, I pray that may you now narrow and direct their thoughts toward the candidates of your choice. For these expected new sets of Bishops are not going to serve themselves but the Living Church of Jesus Christ through the Global Methodist Church. We rely totally on you in this moment of concern.
Jehovah Yahweh, you value the inner character and intentions of individuals over their outward appearance. This has been a consistent message throughout the history of the Bible as it concerns selecting leaders to guide your people. Lord Jesus Christ, help the expected Bishops to be humble like David. A humble shepherd boy with a heart devoted to God and who goes on to become one of the most famous and faithful kings in Israel’s history, even though he was an unexpected candidate when Samuel went to select a king who was to rule over the Israelites.
Gracious Father God, may those candidates who do not get elected be at peace. While this is not your plan for their lives, you always bring about something better than we had in mind. Therefore, we trust you. May these verses of 1 Samuel 16:6-7 encourage us to look beyond the surface and to cultivate hearts that are pleasing to you. This I pray with thanksgiving in the Powerful Name of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
— Rev. Titus Ibrahim Loh, Northeast Nigeria Conference
