Our Daily Bread Devotional 5th January 2026 – Today’s Insight, Bible Reading & Prayer – Monday ODB Message
Are you searching for the Our Daily Bread Devotional 5th January 2026 Message? You’re in the right place. Today’s devotional offers a refreshing word from Scripture, a heartfelt reflection, and a prayer to start your day with purpose. Whether you’re reading for spiritual growth, daily encouragement, or Bible study, this edition of Our Daily Bread provides the inspiration and wisdom you need to stay rooted in Christ.
TOPIC: Care Prayer
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26
KEY VERSE: As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1 Samuel 12:23
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
1 Samuel 12:19-24
INSIGHT FOR TODAY
Despite Samuel’s excellent character as a judge and prophet, his sons “accepted bribes and perverted justice” (1 Samuel 8:3). This prompted “the elders of Israel” to request a king (v. 4). Samuel disapproved and consulted God in prayer. He told Samuel, “It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king” (v. 7).
Five hundred years before the time of Samuel, God had told Israel, “[When] you say, ‘Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,’ be sure to appoint over you a king the Lord your God chooses” (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). But this didn’t mean that God approved of them choosing a king.
Samuel outlined the problems a human king would create for them (1 Samuel 8:9-18), but they “refused to listen” (v. 19). Still, he continued to serve God by shepherding Israel and praying for them (12:19). We too honor God when we pray for the needs of others. (Insight By: Tim Gustafson)
Our Daily Bread Devotional – 5th January 2026 | MESSAGE
A woman was unusually nervous as she sat in the dentist’s chair. Family burdens troubled her greatly, and it was noticeable. Her dentist sensed her anxiety and asked her about it. Her story led him to ask, “Can I pray for you?” When the dental hygienist came into the room, she also prayed for the woman. Two prayers and one completed dentist’s visit later, the woman left the office knowing that she’d truly been cared for.
Praying for others is one of the best ways for us to show that we care because it calls on the greatest resource we know—our heavenly Father—to be actively involved in the lives of others. In 1 Samuel 12, the prophet Samuel was faced with the concerns of a very nervous group of people (v. 19). The Israelites had erroneously asked for a king, and they were afraid of how it was going to go for themselves. The prophet told them to “not be afraid” (v. 20) and assured them of God’s goodness as seen in these words: “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (v. 23).
We also have the privilege and calling to pray for others. Silently sometimes and out loud at other times, we honor God when we petition Him for assistance on behalf of others in need. (Message By: Dave Branon)
REFLECT & PRAY
How can you provide caring prayer right now? What will it mean for people to know you’re praying for them?
Thank you, dear God, for telling us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Please help me to be that kind of person.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.