Tag: pray for wisdom

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Wisdom Prayer

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs!

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those eager to address each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine how life would be if people started to greet each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It would certainly be uplifting, and it would likely bring smiles and head nods.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) writes about this.

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

Greet the next person you meet with one of the Psalms, a hymn, or a spiritual song. Start to sing the words and the melody of a traditional hymn or a modern Christian praise song. Will they be shocked? Will they join you?

Relationships build upon such shared experiences, and a memorable greeting will go a long way toward affirming those we encounter. Greet someone in this way. Tell me what happens.

Oh! But remember Proverbs 27:14.

“Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.”

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine!

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who avoid getting drunk with wine, but are filled with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If and when drinking becomes an obsession, it can be devastating on many levels. It can change a person’s behavior, affect their heath, and impact the lives of those around them.

In Ephesians 5:15-18 (ESV), the admonition against drinking wine in excess is clear:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Are you affected by alcoholism? In recovery? In either case, rely on the Spirit of God within you. It may require taking one day at a time.

Celebrate Recovery® is one Christ-centered program that offers practical help to combat alcohol, hurts, hang-ups, and addictions. Don’t hesitate to reach out before matters get out of control.

If things are already out of control, make a bold move. Call someone for help.

Perhaps you know someone in need. Reach out and lend support.

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Wisdom Prayer

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for church leaders as they select those who will serve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Peter quoted from the Book of Psalms when it came to selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

It says at the end of Acts 1:20 (ESV), “…Let another take his office.”

Not everyone would fit the strict criteria outlined in the verses that followed. The qualifications and the process are described in Acts 1:21-26.

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

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. ”

This section of scripture reminds us to be prayerful about selecting church leaders.

Picking qualified leaders among Christ-followers requires great discernment. Pray wise leaders who love Jesus will rise up.

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Wisdom Prayer

Witness to the Ascension!

Witness to the Ascension!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who believe in Christ’s ascension into heaven and expect his glorious return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine being with Jesus as his earthly ministry was about to conclude. Luke writes about it in Acts 1:9-11 (ESV).

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”

Christ rising into heaven. Two men in white robes speaking to those assembled. The witnesses watch and hear a message of reassurance. Amazing!

How comforting to know Christ will return.

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Wisdom Prayer

Jerusalem, All Judea, and Samaria!

Jerusalem, All Judea, and Samaria!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are Christ’s witnesses locally, regionally, and globally. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Are you willing to talk about how your life changed upon coming to faith?

In Act 1:8 (ESV) the author, Luke, quotes Jesus.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Heed the call! Plant seeds of faith. Share the Gospel.

Are you close to home? Build a community, develop relationships, and use what some call “friendship evangelism.”

What if God calls you to a faraway land? Wherever you go, be on the lookout for opportunities to share about Jesus.

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Wisdom Prayer

Build Others Up!

Build Others Up!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who build others up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As a college public speaking teacher, I would use the term “slang alert” for any off-color language. Vulgar slang had no place in a college class, nor does it belong in other settings. Our culture has become very permissive in this area, and in many places civil discourse is reduced to vulgar name-calling. In this case language can be used to ridicule and harm.

The Apostle Paul warns against this in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) when he writes:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

He goes on to say in Ephesians 5:4 (ESV):

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

Grace and thanksgiving can be used to build others up. Do these and watch what happens.

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