Tag: precepts

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Wisdom Prayer

The Way of Your Precepts!

The Way of Your Precepts!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask you to help them understand the way of your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Isaiah 55:8 (ESV) says the following:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

Psalm 119:25-27 (ESV) is an appeal to God by the psalmist wanting to understand God’s ways.

“My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.”

Are you willing to ask to understand the way of God’s precepts? Will you meditate on God’s wondrous works?

Take time throughout your day to seek understanding. Mediate.

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Wisdom Prayer

That I Might Not Sin Against You!

That I Might Not Sin Against You!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 119 is divided into sections. It is an acrostic psalm based on the Hebrew alphabet.

Each letter is given a section. Beginning with a question, Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV) is identified by the Hebrew letter “Beth.” It is the second section.

“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.”

This second section of the psalm seems to answer the question about how a young man can keep his way pure. Young or old, a person can benefit from meditating and fixing their eyes upon God’s word and his precepts.

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Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Lost Sheep?

Lost Sheep?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who feel like they have gone astray like a lost sheep. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In John 10:11 (ESV) Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

In John 10:14: (ESV) Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”

Psalm 119:169-176 (ESV) involves a cry, a plea, praise, longing for salvation, and a reference to sheep.

“Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.”

Do you ever feel like the sheep in this psalm? The psalmist says he has gone astray, but emphasizes his commitment to not forgetting God’s commandments.

If you feel like you have gone astray, cry out to God, and make your plea before him.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth?

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the sum of your word is the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine you are a witness in a trial. Bibles are still used in courtrooms for swearing in witnesses. Will you take your oath seriously?

The psalmist is confident in God’s word. “Your righteous rules endures forever.”

Psalm 119:153-160 (ESV)

“Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

Where do you stand with regard to the Bible? Do you believe it is true, or is it just a book of stories? Will you tell the truth if you swear on a Bible? God’s word is truth. Trust it. Read it. Live by it.

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Wisdom Prayer

Understanding That I May Live?

Understanding That I May Live?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you give understanding, so your followers may live. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Students study hard to do well in their classes. They strive to understand what is being taught. A great deal of time is devoted to mastering subjects. How is it that one can understand Scripture, so it leads to life?

Psalm 119:137-144 (ESV) concludes with a plea for this kind of understanding.

“Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.”

Scripture has a life-giving message. The psalmist confirms there is a link between understanding and life. Do you acknowledge Scripture as being the truth? Do you trust God to provide life? Seek him. Praise him. Rejoice. Ask for understanding that you may live.

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Wisdom Prayer

Persecute with Falsehood?

Persecute with Falsehood?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who persist in their faith in the face of persecution. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever felt like someone is out to get you, and that that someone is about to succeed?

In Ancient Israel we learn of a similar situation in Psalm 119:86-87 (ESV) where the persecutors are about to prevail.

“All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.”

Even in the face of the adversity, the psalmist maintains firm reliance on God’s commandments and precepts.

Do the attacks seem relentless? Even in the face of adversity, stay focused on God’s word.

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