Tag: pray for wisdom

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Wisdom Prayer

Relying on Your Ability?

Relying on Your Ability?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who rely too much on themselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Apostle Paul was well educated. Even so, he refused to rely solely on his own ability when he shared the truth of the Gospel. Nor did he want to rely on the wisdom of the world. Rather, when he was sharing about God’s truth, it was all Jesus.

He declares in 1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV): “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Some cultures emphasize self-reliance. And that can sometimes be a good thing. But it may be time to stop relying on ourselves and worldly wisdom when it comes to sharing Jesus. Do like Paul the next time an opportunity arises to discuss eternal matters: focus on Jesus and him crucified.

Let me know what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Speak Up Without Fear?

Speak Up Without Fear?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to be bold and to speak the word without fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many cower when it comes to speaking in public.

Yet, many have a powerful interpersonal witness.

Whatever the circumstances, God uses his followers. For example, Apostle Paul shared the Gospel even though he was in chains. He became well known, and God used his notoriety to spread the Gospel.

Paul, writing in Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV) tells us, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

You have heard about Paul. Now be emboldened like those brothers who heard about him. Speak the word without fear!

Let me know what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Cross is the Power of God?

The Cross is the Power of God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to understand the power of the cross. In amen Jesus’ name, amen.

Would you say the cross is the power of God? Not everyone does.

Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV), says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’”

It is odd that a Roman torture devise would be called the power of God. Yet, it is so because those who are being saved recognize the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

May God richly bless all who understand the link between the cross and the power of God.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Who Do You Obey?

Who Do You Obey?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to obey God rather than men. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you obey authority figures, family members, or others in your life? Is God on the list?

Peter and the apostles were arrested and put in prison. We pick up the story in Acts 5:19-21 (ESV): “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.”

When the authorities went to the prison to get them, they were gone. When discovered in the temple, the apostles were brought before the high priest and the council and questioned. Verses 28-29 record what was said: “‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

Would you be so bold as to proclaim the same? If so, say it out loud.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Selecting Church Leaders?

Selecting Church Leaders?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those involved in choosing church leaders. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The early church was about to replace Judas, the traitor. The choice was between two men. Both had been with Jesus. Both were known to the disciples. Acts 1:23-26 (ESV) records:

“And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

God knows each of us.

He has plans for us.

Opportunity could arise at any time. Be ready when you are called to lead.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Facing Difficult Circumstances?

Facing Difficult Circumstances?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to do all things through Christ’s strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where do we get strength?

The Apostle Paul would say that God provides strength. When he writes in Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT), we get a glimpse of his story: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”

Yet, in verse 13, he gives credit to God. “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Assess every situation. Is it awful, or is it full of opportunity? Is it somewhere in between?

Trust Christ to give you the strength necessary to get through whatever it is. Don’t give up!

Tell me what you think below.