Tag: wisdom

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Wisdom Prayer

Praise Continually?

Praise Continually?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who magnify the Lord and exalt his name continually. In Jesus’ name, amen.

There is something to be said about gathering together to worship God. Imagine being with kindred souls singing praise songs. Experience a personal revival. Yet, because of health concerns, some people have opted out of attending Sunday church services, hymn signs, and revival meetings. As an alternative, they have been watching television preachers and other programing.

David, the psalmist, in Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV), shares about praising God alone and with others.

“I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!”

Take a moment and think about what David meant when he said “continually.” Praise God continually for one day. Before retiring that night, count the blessings. Then repeat one day at a time.

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Wisdom Prayer

Of Nations and Kings?

Of Nations and Kings?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for world leaders that they would know you are in control. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Some cable news outlets offer extensive coverage of international affairs. BBC World News and other channels offer programming that covers and reports on the decisions made by world leaders.

Psalm 33:10-12 (ESV) has something to say about who is really in control:

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”

Later in Psalm 33:16-17 (ESV) the psalmist has more to say about those on the world stage:

“The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.”

Pray government leaders and royalty turn to Christ and pay homage to Almighty God. 

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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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