“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” (1Samuel7:12 KJV)
When I was a boy, one Sunday my family went home with the pastor’s family to eat lunch. During his tenure, the pastor had referred to his prayer mound of stones in several sermons. My preacher-dad wanted to see this prayer mound and learn more about it.
After lunch, dad and the pastor went up the mountain to the pastor’s private place of prayer. I tagged along to see this great phenomenon. I shall never forget this visit. It was nothing special as the world might count worthy to visit . . . just a mound of ordinary fist-sized stones.
That mound measured about ten feet across at the base and was as tall as the pastor, who was approximately six foot two or three. I noted something special at this mound that I did not understand: calmness, serenity, and peace surrounded this mound.
The pastor related that every time he prayed for someone, he threw a stone on this mound. Then once the prayer was answered, he added another stone. After this explanation, he and dad knelt and prayed together.
“Up to now the Lord has helped us.” What a great reason to create a memorial unto the Lord! All our problems are reasons to pray, and all his answers are reasons to celebrate. We have come this far by his help! Why would we not set up our own private Ebenezer (a stone of help) as a memorial of God’s help?
Dear Father, thank you for all your assistance in all the ways it comes. Empower us to always remember that we have come this far by your help. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s help,