Today I woke up with a new spiritual vim and vigor. Don’t be too impressed. It has happened before and always seems to fade. But I am hopeful to make this one last, at least for this next season of spiritual growth.
I’ve decided not to start my day until I have prayed through a proverb. I read it slowly and turn it into a personal prayer. I fell under conviction last night in a Bible class as we discussed the enemy and all that he is and seeks to accomplish. I deeply desire to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-worship that led to Lucifer’s evil downfall. Of course, I can’t accomplish this on my own, but through the power of Christ in me. To be aware of Him and His power and to clearly see the enemy, I must arm myself better with the Word. So Proverbs, here I come!
In Proverbs 1, Solomon is setting up the stage for the entire book. In the first seven verses, he reveals his goals to the reader.
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;
4 To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
My prayer went something like this:
Father, let me know Your wisdom and forsake worldly wisdom. Meet my desire for wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity. Cover me with prudence, knowledge and discretion. Forgive my naivety and self-centered mindset. Let me be wise! Increase my learning! Shelter me with wise counsel and help me heed godly advice with a willing heart. Give me the necessary understanding to interpret Your Word accurately. I fear You. I honor You. I exalt You. Don’t let me be a fool! Plant your wisdom deep within me and use me even today . . .
There is no perfect way to pray. If there were, I’d be in real trouble. Sometimes my prayers are messy and filled with whining. Sometimes they are more clear-headed and focused on Truth. Praying the Word helps the latter to be true.
What about you? How do you pray? Why not use the Word as your source of prayer and join me in a season of Word-centered praying? Once again, I’m ready for less of me and more of Him.
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