Category: Wisdom Prayer

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Wisdom Prayer

Salvation of the Righteous?

Salvation of the Righteous?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who the Lord helps and delivers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The psalms are filled with many recurring themes. One has to do with the conflict between the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are subject to the Lord’s judgement. The righteous are saved because they trust in the Lord.

The two verses of Psalm 37:39-40 (ESV) are the culmination of a psalm where the righteous are reminded they should fret not:

“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.”

The righteous have a special relationship with the Lord. He on their side.

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Wisdom Prayer

Step By Step?

Step By Step?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who acknowledge you establish a person’s steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Cultures can place a high value on independent thinking. This can be taken to an extreme when people think they are in total control of their own destiny.

It is God who has something to say about a man’s steps. Two verses reinforce God’s say in the matter:

The first is Proverbs 16:9 (ESV):

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

The second is Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV):

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.”

Are you about to chart the future? Acknowledging God is in control. Look to him for guidance.

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Wisdom Prayer

Who Me? Commit?

Who Me? Commit?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who commit their way to the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

People make decisions all the time. Yet, when a person decides to commit their way to the Lord, it can be life changing. Greg Laurie, of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, uses the term, profession of faith, when referring to people who communicate with the ministry saying they prayed a prayer of salvation during a church service, while listening to a video, or while attending a crusade. A conversion goes beyond a profession of faith because the conversion will stand the test of time.

David, the psalmist, writes in Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV):

“Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.”

What is your level of commitment? Have you made a profession of faith but held something in reserve? Notice the connection between commit, trust, and subsequent action. Commit and God will act.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Desires of Your Heart?

The Desires of Your Heart?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who delight themselves in the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Although those who do evil may be lurking nearby, Scripture tells us to “fret not.” God is in control.

Psalm 37:1-4 (ESV) tells us what happens to evil ones, and how we should react.

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Have confidence and take pleasure in the Lord. Reread the last four lines. Praise God, for they are filled with hope.

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Wisdom Prayer

Steadfast Love?

Steadfast Love?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know of your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God’s love is amazing. God’s sacrifice of his only begotten son on Calvary is a dramatic example of his love for mankind.

Psalm 36:5-12 (ESV) provides David, the psalmist’s, perspective of God’s love:

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.”

Develop a serious relationship with God. Through his son, Jesus, God has provided the way of salvation. Don’t hesitate to seek, and you shall find. Bow your head and talk to God. Directly. Ask him to become Lord of your life and to extend his steadfast love. Now. Give thanks.

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Wisdom Prayer

No Fear of God?

No Fear of God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who encounter evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Wrongdoing can become habitual. For criminals it is a way of life. Some prey on others, like those who hated David, the psalmist. He characterized them as having no fear of God.

Psalm 36:1-4 (ESV) paints a picture of such a person:

“Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.”

Beware. It is well to say away from such people. Yet, an evil person, with these character traits, is not beyond God’s saving grace. Thank you, Lord, for amazing grace. Thank you for saving a wretch like me.

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