Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Brothers Dwell in Unity?

Brothers Dwell in Unity?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many people are suffering from broken relationships. Healing from the damage of a break can be difficult. The opposite is true when everyone cooperates and is getting along. Under these circumstances, things can be amazing.

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV) describes what it is like in a good relationship.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.”

The notes to the English Standard Version of the Bible under Psalm 133:1 refer to the words, good and pleasant. It says, “This should be the goal of church life (John 17:20-23).” Let us try to live up to this goal. Go forth. Dwell in unity.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Calm and Quiet Soul?

A Calm and Quiet Soul?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who have calmed and quieted their soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine having your world turned upside down. Until a few weeks ago, people in Ukraine were going about their daily routines. Life changed. War broke out. Overnight, some left the country. Others became soldiers. Mothers huddled in subways with their children. People died. The war continues.

In Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV) we learn the psalmist had calmed and quieted his soul.

“Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.”

I do not know if people in war zones can be like the psalmist. Could anyone in these circumstances calm and quiet their soul?

In John 14:27 (ESV) Jesus is speaking. This may provide some comfort.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Pray for the people of Ukraine. Pray for peace. Pray that in the midst of a world turned topsy-turvey, those in crisis will hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.

Whatever your circumstances, can you turn to God and say, “I have calmed and quieted my soul.” Pray.

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Wisdom Prayer

Plentiful Redemption?

Plentiful Redemption?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. In Jesus’ name, amen.

It is amazing that God loves us even with all of our shortcomings. God forgives.

In Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV) we see there is a plea to be heard, forgiveness, patience, hope, and redemption.

“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.”

Are you willing to wait for the Lord’s timing? The psalmist not only says his soul waits, but he has hope. Let us be hopeful whatever comes our way.

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Wisdom Prayer

Everyone Who Fears the Lord?

Everyone Who Fears the Lord?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Blessed” is a loaded word.

Matthew 5 begins with the well-known section of Scripture known as the Beatitudes.

Psalm 128:1-6 (ESV) also begins with the word “blessed,” and describes the blessings connected with fearing the Lord.

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord.

The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!”

In verse two, the phrase, “It shall be well with you,” is used. What a comfort. Fear God. Blessings will be unto you.

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Wisdom Prayer

Children Are a Heritage?

Children Are a Heritage?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom who those who know their children are a heritage from the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genesis 9:1 (ESV) says, “And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) characterizes children as a heritage, and not just any heritage.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

In light of this section of Scripture, look at children through a new lens. Let the idea of family take on a new, deeper meaning.

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Wisdom Prayer

Labor in Vain?

Labor in Vain?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. In Jesus name, amen.

How involved is God in your daily affairs? Do you only call out to God at times of extreme need? Or, do you pray, and ask his advice about daily activities?

God is present in every aspect of our lives.

Psalm 127: 1-2 (ESV) has valuable wisdom for all who will listen.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

If you haven’t already, take steps to integrate God into all aspects of your daily life. It should be comforting news to know that God is concerned about you rest and sleep.

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