Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Shepherd Hears Pleas for Mercy?

Shepherd Hears Pleas for Mercy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who cry out for mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The author of Psalm 23 makes it clear he sees the Lord is his shepherd. In Psalm 28:6-9 the Lord is portrayed as a personal God who can hear the voice of those who cry out for mercy. Verse 9 refers to a shepherd who will carry God’s people for eternity.

“Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.”

The Lord saves. Have you pledged to live for him?

If not. Why not now? 

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Wisdom Prayer

Got Big Problems?

Got Big Problems?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say, “Whom shall I fear?” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever felt outnumber? God is still on the throne and prayer changes things. God can deliver us. David wrote Psalm 27:1-3 (ESV) that he could be confident in the face of adversaries, a foreign army, and war.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.”

There is no match for God. Are your problems as big as those David described? Rest assured God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. Got smaller problems?

Have confidence. Pray! 

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Wisdom Prayer

Sing in the Face of Adversity?

Sing in the Face of Adversity?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who, in the face of adversity, sing and make melody to the Lord. In Jesus’ name amen.

In the face of trouble, David sang to the Lord. This would not be the default for most people. It is not a natural tendency to give shouts of joy or to sing when faced with a crisis. What about your reaction? Would you be like David?

Psalm 27:6-8 reminds us of how to react when under attack:

“And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”

David, the psalmist, was making sacrifices, seeking God’s face, and singing. Instead of focusing on the problem, he looked to the Lord. Do likewise! 

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Wisdom Prayer

Test My Heart and Mind?

Test My Heart and Mind?

Dear Lord, I pray for those who will ask the Lord to test their hearts and minds.

Are you willing to be examined by holy God? When David wrote Psalm 26, he asked God to give him a through examination. Not everyone can withstand this type of scrutiny. Listen to David’s appeal in Psalm 26:1-3 (E:

“Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.”

David asks God to try him and test him. Are you willing to do the same? If there is something you are hiding from God, it is time to repent. Don’t delay! 

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From The Author

Flowers for My Wife: A Family Tradition

Flowers for My Wife: A Family Tradition

This is the story of the origin and continuation of a family tradition.

On our wedding day, June 23, 1990, Diane and I received many gifts. The night of our wedding, we were off on our honeymoon, so Diane’s sister, Lynette, took our unwrapped gifts to her apartment. When we returned a little over a week later, we opened our presents. To our delight, we received two beautifully cut-glass vases.

For nearly three decades, I have kept the tradition alive with a constant supply of roses with baby’s breath, lilies, sunflowers, carnations, and more.

The colorful flowers are a constant reminder of our love and commitment.

To share the tradition, we have given many engraved vases as gifts for weddings and graduations.

A few years ago, we attended an outdoor wedding. I slipped the groom fifty dollars and told him to be sure to buy his new bride flowers. I hope he smiled when he opened our gift.

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Wisdom Prayer

Youthful Transgressions Forgiven?

Youthful Transgressions Forgiven?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask God not to remember their youthful transgressions. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Youth transgressions can be haunting. Fear not.

God is the God of answered prayer. He takes away the sin of the world.

The psalmist’s plea in Psalm 25:7-11 is that God would pardon guilt:

“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For your name’s sake, O Lord,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.”

Christ died and rose again to pay the price for sin. We serve a risen Lord. Live life victoriously.

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