¹Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. ²For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.” ³So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. ⁴David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years. ⁵At Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

⁹David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inwards. ¹⁰And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
• As you continue to pay attention to your breath, consider how you are a shepherd to God’s people.
• How does your faith lead you and others?
• David built the city from the outskirts inward.
• How have you discovered your faith?
• David became greater and greater with God.
• How have you become greater and greater with God?
• How is God calling you to be a shepherd to God’s people today?
• Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.