Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Their Help and Their Shield?

Their Help and Their Shield?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you are their help and their shield. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Even with the words “In God We Trust” on American money, it is hard to determine what exactly that means for people in the United States. Where do you stand?

The people of Ancient Israel might not have put the phrase on their coins, but there were times God’s people trusted in him. Yet, at other times, God’s people did not trust him and they turned to worship false gods.

Psalm 115:9-11 (ESV) is about trusting in the Lord.

“O Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.”

Ever feel like it may be time to more completely trust God? Turn to him now, and ask for his guidance. Trust him and his holy and inspired word.

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Wisdom Prayer

Idol Worship?

Idol Worship?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for believers who want to reach those who spend their time worshipping images made with human hands.

Idols are real. Ever enter an Asian restaurant and see a stature of Buddha?

Psalm 115:4-8 (ESV) describes idols and makes a person wonder what their worshipers see in them.

“Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.”

Pray. If given the opportunity, share your faith with someone who worships an idol. Never underestimate the power of idols to replace the living God in your own life. Is there something or someone who has become more important than God? Pray.

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Wisdom Prayer

Water from a Rock?

Water from a Rock?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who recall how you used Moses in the wilderness to strike a rock to provide water. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture is full of miracles. The record of what happened to Moses at Horeb when he struck a rock and water flowed appears in Exodus 17:1-7. Even though the people had complained about not having enough water, God provided.

Psalm 114:1-8 (ESV) reminds the Israelites of their history including the parting of the Red Sea and how God allowed the people to pass through the Jordan River. There is also reference to Moses and the rock.

“When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.

The sea looked and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.

What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.”

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Wisdom Prayer

The Poor and Needy?

The Poor and Needy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you raise the poor from the dust and lift the needy from the ash heap. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In many communities around the nation, homelessness is a big issue. There are services for those who find themselves in this situation. There are outreach programs. There is government assisted housing. Even volunteer organizations assist those in need. In many towns and cities there is a coordinated effort to help those who find themselves needing help.

Psalm 113:4-9 (ESV) reminds us that God has not forgotten those who are poor and needy.

“The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!”

God is working behind the scenes to provide for those who are less fortunate. Praise his name for all he does.

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Wisdom Prayer

Praise God?

Praise God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the name of the Lord is to be praised. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Synonyms for the word “praise” include works like exultation, glorification, honor, crown, homage, devotion, worship, reverence, veneration, and adulation.

Psalm 113:1-3 (ESV) puts praising the Lord at forefront.

“Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!”

Some people use the expression, “Praise the Lord” casually. Do you make a habit of praising God? Will knowing the synonyms change the way you think about what it means to praise the Lord? Reread the psalm. Spend some time praising the Lord!

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Wisdom Prayer

What Happens to the Wicked?

What Happens to the Wicked?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are dealing with wicked people. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God takes care of those who praise his name and delight in his commandments.

Yet, the wicked stand in opposition. They are angry at the way God takes care of his own.

Psalm 102:10 (ESV) tells us the reaction of wicked, and what happens to them.
“The wicked man sees it and is angry;
he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked will perish!”

Wicked people can become believers. Think of Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul.

Pray for the souls of those who stand in opposition to God. Pray in Jesus’ name the words of Ephesians 6 for spiritual protection against the darts of the evil one.

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