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Wisdom Prayer

Would You Show Kindness to Your Enemies?

Would You Show Kindness to Your Enemies?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who show kindness to their enemies. In Jesus’s name, amen.

To help an enemy is counterintuitive.

Solomon, in his wisdom, saw the benefit of providing food and drink for a hungry and thirsty enemy.

Proverbs 25:21-22 tells what happens to an enemy when showered with unexpected blessings.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.”

According to the notes for Proverbs 25-21-22 in the English Standard Version of the Bible, it says, “Although interpreters differ about the meaning of the metaphor of heaping coals on the enemy’s head, it is likely an image for leading him to repentance or shame, suggesting that he will feel inward burning pangs of guilt for his wrongdoing .”

As difficult as it might seem, when it is time to confront an enemy who is hungry or thirsty, do as the proverb says.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Show Kindness to Enemies!

Show Kindness to Enemies!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who show kindness to their enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To help an enemy is counterintuitive.

Solomon, in his wisdom, saw the benefit of providing food and drink for a hungry and thirsty enemy.

Proverbs 25:21-22 tells what happens to an enemy when showered with unexpected blessings.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.”

According to the notes for Proverbs 25-21-22 in the English Standard Version of the Bible, it says, “Although interpreters differ about the meaning of the metaphor of heaping coals on the enemy’s head, it is likely an image for leading him to repentance or shame, suggesting that he will feel inward burning pangs of guilt for his wrongdoing.”

As difficult as it might seem, when it is time to confront an enemy who is hungry or thirsty, do as the proverb says.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

The Peace of Jerusalem?

The Peace of Jerusalem?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The notes related to Psalm 122 in the English Standard Version of the Bible say,

“This Psalm celebrates Zion as God’s chosen city. (Psalm 46, 48, 76, 87), and specifically the privilege of going their on a pilgrimage. (c.f. Psalm 84) Not only is ‘the house of the Lord’ there, but so are ‘the thrones of the house of David.’ Christians who sing this recognize that in their gathered worship they are carrying out the task of the temple, and their Davidic king (Jesus) is present with them (1 Pet. 2:4-5; cf. Eph. 2:19-22).”

Psalm 122:1-9 (ESV) references the peace of Jerusalem.

“I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
‘May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!’
For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.”

Imagine being on a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. The excitement would grow as the time to go in was getting closer and closer. It was The Place to worship God.

Still today, God is in control, and prayer changes things. Stop and say a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.