Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates?

Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the answer to the question, “Who is the King of glory?” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine being with a throng of people outside of the gates of Jerusalem.

They have the Ark of the Covenant, and the assembly seeks entry. The editors of the notes in the English Standard Version of the Bible write about Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV) being a call and response between the people and the gatekeeper:

“Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah ”

The psalmist provides a declaration of faith. God is real! Reread the verses and realize he is not far off. He is a personal God who deserves to be worshiped.

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Wisdom Prayer

Prophesy Came True?

Prophesy Came True?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who recognize Christ’s crucifixion was prophesied in a Psalm of David. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The mention of pierced hands and feet and the division of Christ’s garments are two indications David was divinely inspired to write the sacred psalms.

The note in the English Standard Version of the Bible says of Psalm 22:18: “This verse [about lots being cast for Christ’s clothing] is quoted in John 19:24 (cf. Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24 Luke; 23:34).”

Psalm 22:16-18 (ESV) says,

“For dogs encompass me;
a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet—
I can count all my bones—
they stare and gloat over me;
they divide my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”

God inspired David.
Praise God for the prophetic nature of the psalms.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Tradition of Faith?

A Tradition of Faith?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose families passed down a tradition of faith.

Not everyone grows up in a household of faith. For those who were raised in godly homes, and became believers, most rejoice God not only saved Israel, but he also saved one or more of their family members.

Psalm 22:4-5 pays homage to this history:

“In you our fathers trusted; they trusted,
and you delivered them.
To you they cried and were rescued;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

If you are new to walking with the Lord, praise God. You have the privilege of starting a new line of believers. One day a descendent may read Psalm 22 and give thanks for their family’s tradition of faith.

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Wisdom Prayer

Feel Forsaken?

Feel Forsaken?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who feel forsaken. In Jesus name, amen.

God’s word offers a great deal of “foreshowing.” Old Testament words take on greater significance when considered in light of the New Testament, Christian context.

Imagine Christ’s death on the cross.
Psalm 22:1 and Matthew 27:46 (ESV) are the same:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Psalm 22:2-3 (ESV) continues:
“Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest.

Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.”

Consider this: When Christ was in the wilderness being tested, Jesus quoted Scripture. He does the same thing with his dying breath.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Lord Do These Things?

The Lord Do These Things?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who intercede and ask for God’s blessing for others.

According to the notes in the English Standard Version of the Bible, “Psalm 20 is a prayer that God will give success to the Davidic King, particularly in battle.” Psalm 20:1-5 (ESV) can help[God to bless the King]:

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” 

God is able to provide all this and more. How amazing it would be to see the psalmist’s list fulfilled. We serve a mighty God. Trust him.

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Wisdom Prayer

Are You Aware of Your Sin?

Are You Aware of Your Sin?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask God to declare them innocent from hidden faults. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As our culture is becoming increasingly more secularized, people often rationalize sinful behavior. There are people who are blinded as to what is offensive to God.

To begin Psalm 19:12-13, King David asks a profound question:

“Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.”

King David was pleading with the Lord to help him remain faultless and avoid sinful behavior. Are you willing to do the same? It would be wise to ask God to bring to mind sinful behavior. If it becomes clear there is sin: Repent!

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