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Wisdom Prayer

Shouts of Joy and Music?

Shouts of Joy and Music?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who praise your name with shouts of joy and music. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever fallen into depression?

Are feelings of anxiety becoming overwhelming?

Then maybe it is time to turn on calming music to soothe the soul. This may not fix all that ails a person, but one’s outlook on life can improve when music is combined with shouting for joy to the Lord.

Psalm 33:1-3 (ESV) gives us a great example:

“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.”

Develop a playlist of hymns and praise songs. Find yourself without the latest technology? Fear not. An old-fashioned hymnal can bring to mind words and melodies to lift the spirit. May God bless those who are hurting, and may sacred music provide healing and restoration.

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Wisdom Prayer

Day of Judgment?

Day of Judgment?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know God forgives transgressions. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Will you be ready for Judgment Day?

Believers and followers of Jesus have nothing to fear. Jesus paid the price for sin when he died on the cross. He rose again to sit at God’s right hand to judge the living and the dead. God sees everyone.

David, the psalmist, in Psalm 32:1-2 writers about transgressions and forgiveness.

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

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Wisdom Prayer

Love the Lord and Take Courage?

Love the Lord and Take Courage?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for the saints who let their hearts take courage. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God is willing and able to help the faithful. Most believers know the importance of loving God. Loving God requires action. Like the first chapter of Joshua, the traits of being strong and taking courage also appear in Psalm 31:23-24 (ESV):

“Love the Lord, all you his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!”

Don’t look to prideful people for wisdom. These kinds of people think they are in control when in reality, the Lord is in charge. Substitute pride with love. Watch what happens.

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Wisdom Prayer

Christ’s Last Words?

Christ’s Last Words?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who recall the last words Christ said when he was on the cross. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When David wrote Psalm 31:3-5 he was inspired by God. Generations later, David’s words would be quoted by Christ on Calvary.

“For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”

In Luke 23:46 Jesus is on the cross.

“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said,
‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”

The finality of this event seems to be the end of the story. Yet, believers know there is more. Christ is resurrected and appears to the disciples and hundreds of others.

Believers often say to each other on Easter, “He is risen.”

Others respond, “He is risen, indeed.” 

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Wisdom Prayer

Joy Comes When?

Joy Comes When?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know joy comes in the morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever faced a difficult situation that led to tears? Yet, after a good night’s sleep, life somehow seemed better. A new day can provide a different perspective. Psalm 30:4-5 concludes with an often quoted phrase that characterizes the hope of believers:

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.”

Psalm 30:11-12 go reinforce this feeling:

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”

Whatever the circumstances, know God can provide a way when there seems to be no way. Look expectantly for the joy that comes in the morning. Thank God.

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Wisdom Prayer

Glory and Strength?

Glory and Strength?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ascribe glory and strength to the Lord. In Jesus’ name.

The term ascribe means “to give credit to.”

In the case of Psalm 29:1-2, we learn what David, the psalmist, ascribes to the Lord. Moreover, the credit given to the Lord leads to worship.

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

Pondering the Lord’s glory and strength should give us pause. Are you in awe of holy God?

Praise his name. 

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