Tag: praise

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Wisdom Prayer

Been Forgiven?

Been Forgiven?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who have sinned and been forgiven. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In Psalm 106 there is a long recitation of how the descendants of Abraham sinned against God. It includes reference to the golden calf, how the people intermarried with the people of Canaan, and worshipped idols.

Psalm 106:47-48 (ESV) ends with an appeal to Almighty God. In effect, it is a renunciation of the past sins. It has the effect of drawing people closer to the Lord.

“Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!”

Have you sinned but hesitated to confess? It is not too late to turn away from evil. Perhaps, in contrast, you have already confessed, and God has forgiven you. Stop. If you need to confess, take action now. Join with those who have been forgiven. Rejoice and praise the Lord!

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Wisdom Prayer

Who Me? Give Thanks?

Who Me? Give Thanks?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who give thanks. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Don Moen wrote the praise song, “Give Thanks.” The refrain is as follows:

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ, His Son”

Psalm 106:1-3 (ESV) begins with a statement of praise.

“Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times!”

Are you in the mood to praise and/or give thanks to God? If not, take time to reflect on all God has done. Realize if he has been faithful before, he is trustworthy to be faithful today, tomorrow, and always.

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Wisdom Prayer

I Sing for Joy?

I Sing for Joy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who sing praise to your name, O Most High. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I know people who sing in the choir. I also know those who prefer singing along with the choir while standing or seated with the rest of the congregation. Whether a song leader, or one who is tone deaf, God hears all of our voices.

Psalm 92:1-5 (ESV) is about singing praises. Musical instruments accompany the voices.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!”

Is your heart filled with praise? Stop and think of a favorite God-honoring song. Now. Hum or sing the song to the Lord. Give thanks.

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Wisdom Prayer

God Hears the Needy?

God Hears the Needy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the Lord hears the needy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Whether around the world or at the local level, there are those in need. There are those suffering from a heavy heart, loss of a loved one, food insecurity, or homelessness. The list goes on and on.

In Psalm 69:33-36 (ESV) we learn God is listening.

“For the Lord hears the needy
and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and everything that moves in them.
For God will save Zion
and build up the cities of Judah,
and people shall dwell there and possess it;
the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,
and those who love his name shall dwell in it.”

Whatever the need, ask God for his help. He cares about you personally. Don’t delay. Pray.

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Wisdom Prayer

Ransom Me Because of My Enemies?

Ransom Me Because of My Enemies?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask the Lord to ransom them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever feel like calling out to God? Hoping he will answer? That is how David felt in Psalm 69:16-18 (ESV). In his distress, he wants a reply.

“Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Hide not your face from your servant,
for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul, redeem me;
ransom me because of my enemies!”

A little later in Psalm 69:30 (ESV), David attitude changes:

“I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

In David’s case, he reached out. He was expecting God to respond. He praises God. Do you need to ask God to draw near to your soul? Make the effort? Ask him. Praise him.

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Wisdom Prayer

God’s Awesome Deeds?

God’s Awesome Deeds?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know your deeds are awesome. In Jesus’ name, amen.

David, the psalmist, is excited about his relationship with God. It is apparent not only by what he says but by the way he says it. It is as though the words on the page come alive for the reader. It is time to join with David and together shout for joy.

Psalm 66:1-4 captures the enthusiasm David has for his Lord.

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.” Selah

That we may all spend more time in fellowship with our Lord, so we shout, sing, give praise, and worship God. Reflect on these verses.

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