1 Samuel 9-10
H - "Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before Yahweh." - 1 Samuel 10:25
E - Samuel has just anointed Saul as Israel's first king. The nation is now gathered at Mizpah, and Saul is recognised as king by the people. Immediately Samuel informs the people about the rights and duties of the kingship. He then writes these rights and duties in a book and lays up the book before Yahweh.
A - Father, why do you care about the relationship between people and their government? What is the ideal political structure? If families and smaller communities could govern themselves effectively without a king or centralised state, would that be more pleasing to you and a blessing to us?
R - "Strong centralised states become necessary when the people stop listening to me. Their hearts become corrupt, they become lazy and self-centred, and they are unable to govern their own lives. The chaos of the society that arises calls for a king to provide security. But freedoms are lost. This all arises when a group of people turns it back on me. Would that each family and each person were loyal to me and followed the way of life I have communicated in the Bible. Then only minimal government would be required."
P - Father, forgive us for depending on the political state to solve all our problems. Forgive us for turning our backs on you. Help us to take responsibility for ourselves, to govern ourselves according to your word. May we owe no debt and get to a place where we take no freebies from the government. May we work hard and be diligent. Give us our freedom and self-respect back. Turn our heart fully in your direction. Amen.