Tag: wisdom prayer

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Wisdom Prayer

Stir Up Strife?

Stir Up Strife?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are dealing with people who stir up strife and are angry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine living with a person who makes comments designed to provoke others and incite conflict. Now add being around a person who has angry outbursts and violent behavior. Life can become unbearable.

Proverbs 29:22 (ESV) describes individuals with these characteristics and the results.

“A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.”

Those who make others suffer, as the proverb describes, can change.

John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” knew sinners could change from firsthand experience. He wrote “That saved a wretch like me.”

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Wisdom Prayer

Hasty Words!

Hasty Words!

Dear Lord, I pray for those who think before they speak. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever regret having said something?

Most people can think of a time when they wish they could take back their words.

Once uttered, words convey a message. Sincere apologies may not be able to erase the harm done by a hasty comment.

Proverbs 29:20 (ESV) is about a man whose quick comments get him into trouble.

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

This proverb is reminiscent of the adage, “Think before you speak.”

Guard your words. Don’t become less than a fool.

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Wisdom Prayer

Rejoice or Groan?

Rejoice or Groan?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for people who rejoice because the righteous increase. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When totalitarian dictators and other oppressive leaders come to power, those living under these regimes cry out for relief.

Proverbs 29:2 (ESV) describes what happens when the wicked rule.

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”

In a democracy, it is vital that righteous people’s voices are heard.

Who gets in power will determine if the people rejoice or if they groan.

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Wisdom Prayer

Walk in Wisdom!

Walk in Wisdom!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who make an effort to walk in wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Those who are interested in wilderness survival know how important a compass can be. One thing about using a compass is to trust the compass and not instincts about direction. Mountaineering students are taught to trust the compass because instincts can be wrong.

Proverbs 28:26 (ESV) is about a person who trusts their own mind instead of trusting God.

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”

Like the mountaineer who trusts his or her compass, be a person who walks in wisdom trusting God.

Do not rely on your own mind.

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Wisdom Prayer

Work the Land!

Work the Land!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who work the land. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In rural America, young people can get involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Others take part in 4H Clubs (Head-Heart-Hands-Health). These programs prepare young people for future study and careers in agribusiness.

Farming practices are so different than they were in ancient times, but what King Solomon says in Proverbs 28:19 (ESV) about one who takes seriously working his land also applies today.

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”

Don’t waste time. Avoid being distracted by get-rich-quick schemes.
For those who work the land, don’t neglect the day-to-day responsibility associated with getting the work done.

Work the land and have plenty of bread instead of ending up poor.

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t Harden Your Heart!

Don’t Harden Your Heart!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who will not allow their hearts to be hardened. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Those who stand against God, like Pharaoh, can find their heart hardened.

Opposition to God becomes a force of its own.

Proverbs 28:14 (ESV) shows the difference between those who fear God and a hardened heart.

“Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”

The choice is clear: be blessed or face calamity.

Yet, those with hardened hearts will keep acting and believing they are right to their own detriment.

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