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Wisdom Prayer

Independence Day – 2021

Independence Day – 2021

Dear Lord, On this Fourth of July, I pray for wisdom for elected officials who serve at the local, state, and federal level, and for members of judiciary, police, first responders, medical professionals, members of the military, and all of their families. In Jesus’ name amen.

America’s leaders need God-given wisdom now more than ever.

Many public servants gladly offer their time, talent, and energy. These people often make great sacrifices to contribute to society. The selfless ones stand in stark contrast to others who aspire to leadership for personal gain.

Apostle Paul calls us to pray for those in authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV):

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Those in high positions can change lives.

Consider the impact of praying for leaders. Competent and confident leaders can make a huge difference. Decisions leaders make change society. Pray without ceasing for all people but especially for those in leadership. Don’t hesitate. On this Independence Day, pray now for America and for those in authority.

God bless America!

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Wisdom Prayer

Childish Ways?

Childish Ways?

Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who desire to give up childish ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Know someone with an adult child who doesn’t work? Has their playing video games prevented them from maturing into productive member of society?

Today, our culture accepts “extended adolescence.” When do people grow up? Financial independence and living independently are two criteria.

But there is more to it, according to Apostle Paul who writes in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV):

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Examine three areas: speech, thoughts, and reasoning. God can equip those interested in spiritual maturity. Are you still holding onto some childish ways of communicating, thinking, or reasoning? Stop. Read Scripture to learn about what it means to grow into a mature believer.

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Wisdom Prayer

Do You Believe Eyewitness Testimony?

Do You Believe Eyewitness Testimony?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who trust the evidence of Jesus appearing after his resurrection.

Jesus was alive! How could this be?

Eyewitness testimony is admissible in a court of law. Doubters and naysayers discount the eyewitness accounts in the Bible. Yet, Luke, for example, interviewed people who met and knew Jesus. Luke, a physician by training, wrote both the book of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. He conducted his investigation into the life of Jesus methodically and thoroughly as a doctor would examine a patient. His writings complement and support other eyewitness accounts.

Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:5-6 (ESV) reports,

“That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas (also known as Peter, my note), then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”

Read Scripture. Let the testimony of eyewitnesses be encouragement. Don’t doubt.

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Wisdom Prayer

Love or Knowledge?

Love or Knowledge?

I pray for wisdom for those who know love remains after knowledge passes away.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

The adage “knowledge is power” is most often attributed to Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), the man who is also credited with defining the scientific method.

Scripture has something important to say about knowledge. What would remain if knowledge were to disappear?

Apostle Paul reveals the answer when he writes in 1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV):

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”

I must admit, for a time I was all about acquiring knowledge. I thought it would give me power and control in life. I was deceived. I pursued knowledge for its own sake. I had intellectualized issues of faith and knew about a lot of religions. But God? At that time, I did not know him.

Beware of the false promise that knowledge is power. God has real power. Know him. Humble yourself and seek his face.

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Wisdom Prayer

Optimist or Pessimist?

Optimist or Pessimist?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know love hopes all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever been around a pessimistic person?

He or she can infect others with their sour disposition. In contrast, think of those who tend to be optimistic. These people can bring joy in the face of adversity. Optimism can be contagious.

Optimists spread enthusiasm for life.

Apostle Paul, the optimist, writes about love in 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV):

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

We all have a choice. Choose to spread hope. The hope believers have in life everlasting is a powerful message that never gets old.

Pause. Think about whom you meet for the first and only time. Then think about those you have known for a while. Be an optimist and share with them the hope that is within you. Seize the opportunity.

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Wisdom Prayer

Bear All Things?

Love Bears All Things?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know love bears all things. In Jesus name, amen.

Some things in life don’t work out the way people expect or want. When this happens, believers are called to accept life’s circumstances.

Apostle 1 Corinthians 13:7 Apostle Paul says,

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

Are you alone? Are life’s burdens overwhelming? God is with the faithful even during hard times. Stand firm. Trust. Keep the faith.

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