Tag: holy spirit

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Wisdom Prayer

Know it All?

Know it All?

Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know it is impossible to understand all the thoughts of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Some religions claim it is possible to comprehend God’s thoughts. Some go so far as to believe it is possible to become one with God.

For Christians, the Holy Spirit helps believers to navigate life. This does not mean a person can merge with God. Rather, the Holy Spirit provides guidance.

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 (NLT):

“But, as it is written,

‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

No one can comprehend all the thoughts of God. Stop striving. Don’t try to be a know it all.

Let God be God. Bow before him in awe!

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Wisdom Prayer

Create a Clean Heart?

Create a Clean Heart?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask God to create in them a clean heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

David had an affair with Bathsheba, ordered the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, and found himself confronted by Nathan the prophet.

David cries out to God, and in Psalm 51:10-13 (ESV) David first asks for his heart and spirit to be made right before God. He goes on to share he will teach others (i.e. transgressors) God’s ways.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.”

This passage is a lesson in confession and hope. Dave turns his egregious sin into an opportunity to testify to God’s willingness to forgive.

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Wisdom Prayer

Confronted by False Witnesses?

Confronted by False Witnesses?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are confronted by false witnesses. In Jesus’ name.

Stephen was one of the people selected to help make sure distributions to Hellenists widows were handled fairly. It says in Acts 6:5 (ESV) that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”

God blessed him, and Luke writing in Acts 6:8-9 reports,

“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.”

This escalated. False witnesses testified to the council that Stephen was against Moses and God.

In his defense, Stephen began retracing the history of Abraham, to Joseph in Egypt, to Moses, and the prophets. Stephen then condemned the group for resisting the Holy Spirit, killing Jesus, and not keeping the law. They were so enraged, they ultimately stoned Stephen to death.

Have you been confronted by false witnesses? The above prayer is so you will have the wisdom to respond appropriately. God bless you.

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Wisdom Prayer

Lying to God?

Lying to God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who strive to be honest with God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ananias and Sapphira were married, and they were intent on donating money to the Lord’s work. Yet, there was a fatal flaw in their plan.

Luke begins the story in Acts 5:1-2 (ESV):

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Misrepresenting the amount of the funds given to the Apostles had dire consequences. Note what Acts 5:3-5 says:

“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.’”

The husband and the wife both died for lying about the amount of the sale of their property.

Ever told a lie to God? Confess! Repent! Now!

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Wisdom Prayer

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit?

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus appeared to his disciples, and told them to expect something after he ascended into heaven. When the Holy Spirit came upon praying believers, everything changed.

Luke, writing in Acts 2:1-4 (ESV), reports what happened:

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The faithful began speaking in the different languages to those who lived Jerusalem. Some mocked what was happening by saying the faithful were drunk with new wine. Others believed and were added to the church. Lives were changed that day. Be encouraged.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Whole Armor of God?

The Whole Armor of God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who put on the whole armor of God, so they may stand against the schemes of the devil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Spiritual warfare is real.
Scripture says to put on the whole armor of God. What does that look like?

I used to have a poster of a Roman soldier dressed in his armor and holding a shield. Each piece was labeled with a corresponding spiritual meaning.

Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 6:11 (ESV) tells us:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

If you haven’t already, begin the discipline of praying on each part of the armor as Apostle Paul describes in Ephesians 6:14-18:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Start each day by putting on the whole armor of God. Not just part of it. Wonder how to begin? Read the verses. Then memorize the verses. Or, make a list of the full armor. Commit it to memory. Do not go without spiritual protection.

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