If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
Heavenly Father, we need what you generously promise to give… wisdom. We ask with confidence since you’ve already given us the quintessential wisdom of Jesus—who is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Indeed, because of your measureless grace, we’re fully and forever in Christ—the fountain and personification of all the wisdom we’ll ever need. Hallelujah! When we come before you, we’ll never experience a faultfinding gaze, only your mercy giving hand. So here are a few situations for which we need wisdom from above.
Father, give us wisdom about the difference between gospel peacemaking and conflict-avoidance. When do soft answers turn away wrath, or when are they a sign of passivity and cowardice? What’s really worth fighting for, Father? Please teach us how to conflict redemptively.
Father, what’s the difference between a “living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1-2), and doing life as a depleted workaholic? What’s the balance between being spent and poured out for the gospel, and the stewardship of our bodies, minds and hearts? Show us when we’re living more of a driven rather than a called life.
Father, give us wisdom about loving our children at different stages of their lives. When do we show up; and when do we shut up? When do we offer advice that’s not being asked for? When does our help not really help? Show us the difference between parenting by faith-and-grace, and manipulating by guilt-and-bribe.
Father, what are we to do when your Word isn’t clear, yet our friends offer a multitude of conflicting perspectives, options, and opinions about important decisions in front of us?
Finally Father, we need wisdom about the next season of our lives. What does growing older in the gospel look like? We don’t see the category of “retirement” in the Bible, so what would you have us invest our lives before Jesus returns? Thank you for your being so engaged, so caring, so faithful. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ matchless and mercy-full name.