FOR THIS I PRAYED

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study the books of Ruth and 1 Samuel and explore stories of covenant love, redemption, grief, and revelation. Through the story of Ruth, they focus on the kind of love that goes beyond obligation and expectation. After Naomi loses her husband and sons, Ruth refuses to leave her side and instead makes the covenant declaration, “whither thou goest, I will go.” Dave and Grace describe Ruth as a story of radical kindness and “love outside the lines,” showing how covenant relationships are ultimately rooted in loyalty, compassion, and caring for others. The episode also centers on Naomi’s grief and redemption. Naomi returns to Bethlehem feeling completely empty, bitter, and forgotten after losing everything she once had. Yet throughout the story, God quietly begins restoring what was lost through the kindness of Ruth and Boaz. Dave explains the biblical role of a “redeemer” as someone who restores another person to belonging, safety, and hope, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the Great Redeemer. Grace reflects on how healing often comes through the love and mercy of others, reminding listeners that God does not abandon people in their grief and that empty places in life can still become full again. The discussion then shifts to Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel, where Hannah’s desperate prayer for a child becomes a powerful example of faithful pleading before God. After years of sorrow, Hannah pours out her soul to the Lord and eventually receives the miracle she longed for in the birth of Samuel. Grace especially highlights Hannah’s willingness to dedicate Samuel back to God, showing a faith rooted in surrender and trust. The hosts also focus on young Samuel learning to recognize the voice of the Lord, emphasizing the hopeful phrase “Samuel did not yet know the Lord.” They teach that many people feel forgotten or believe God has never spoken to them, but Samuel’s story reminds us that God continues calling patiently and persistently until His children learn to recognize His voice. Throughout the episode, Dave and Grace return again and again to the reminder that God remembers, speaks, restores, and helps His people. From Ruth’s loyalty, to Naomi’s redemption, to Hannah’s prayers, to Samuel hearing the Lord’s voice, every story points to a God who does not give up on His children. The episode closes with Samuel building an “Ebenezer,” a memorial stone of help, as a reminder that God had answered and delivered them before. Together, these chapters become an invitation to remember the moments God has spoken, rescued, redeemed, and carried us through difficult seasons, even when His voice or His timing felt far away. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 06:33 The theme of radical generosity 11:19 Visiting Rising Star in India 16:31 Understanding covenants of kindness 25:00 The role of a redeemer 30:50 Grieving dreams and finding hope 36:48 Boaz offers land redemption 41:20 Jesus' family tree and traits 44:20 Hannah's heartfelt prayer and promise 51:39 Feeling disconnected from spirituality 57:41 Boy's spiritual experience in Costa Rica 59:22 Listening for God's guidance 01:04:58 Reflecting on answered prayers Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app