The Bible is full of stories of people praying; praying for healing, for rescue, for revenge, for justice, for each other, for strength, for faith, for protection, for forgiveness, and many other things. Based upon the Bible accounts, we can pray for just about anything. I believe God wants us to pray to him with everything and anything that is on our mind and on our hearts, as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18, “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

I found one prayer particularly helpful for putting prayer in the right perspective. Daniel was praying for the people of Israel who were in captivity in Babylon. In Daniel 9:18-19 he prays, “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!”

We don’t “deserve” anything from God. When we pray for the accomplishment of our dreams and desires, or the overcoming of our obstacles, we should pray like Daniel, not asking because we have earned or deserve what we want, but because of God’s mercy and love for us.

That doesn’t mean we should be reluctant to ask. God puts dreams and desires in our hearts, and puts obstacles in our way, for our good and for his glory. He wants us to ask. Matthew 7:7 Jesus says, “ask and it will be given to you.” and Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Dear Lord, You have power over all things, the power to provide us anything we might want. Help us find your will for our lives, and come to you continuously asking for your help to do the great things you have put in our hearts; Not because we deserve it, but because of your mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The famous investor Warren Buffet is quoted saying, “Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”

Solomon was a couple thousand years ahead of him, writing in Proverbs 19:1-2, “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”

Without honesty and integrity being smart and enthusiastic will eventually lead us into trouble.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the wisdom of Solomon, and help us to have the courage to have integrity and honesty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you read the book of Proverbs chapter 1:20-21, written by Solomon, it says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech” It is easy to read this as literary technique, giving personification to the idea of wisdom by calling it “she.”

However, if you read Proverbs 8 it makes you think a bit more about what Wisdom may really be. In Proverbs 8:22-23 Wisdom says, “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” and verse 30, “I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.”

It is very interesting to me that the characteristic that we call wisdom, that we think is something we learn and develop, is actually an entity that God created, and that he can give to us. James 1:5 writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In Proverbs 8:22 Wisdom is speaking, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.” and verse says, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

This is another fascinating and wonderful complexity that God has created for us.

Dear Lord, your word and creation always has something new that we can learn. Send us Wisdom that “she” may help us glorify you and find your joy and favor, as you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you know people who always have something positive to say about everyone. While they are bringing up the most favorable things about everyone, they are making themselves look good at the same time.

In Romans 14:19 Paul says, “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”

Of course everyone has areas that can be improved, but why bring this up to others.

The 8th commandment says, “Thou shall not bear false witness (lie) about thy neighbor.” I like Martin Luther’s words in the Small Catechism explanation of this Commandment. Regarding our neighbor, we should, “defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.”

Wouldn’t it be great if we treated each other in this manner regularly.

Dear Lord, you tell us that after loving you, the second greatest command is to love our neighbor. Help us remember that speaking well of others is part of this love for them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Psalm 103 is a great text to read and think about to remind us to “count our blessings” It starts out, “Let all that I am praise the Lord, with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

The chapter continues on with more great reasons to praise the Lord.

I have found that having and adding regularly to what I call a “gratitude list” is a great way to remember the good things God has given us, and keep a positive attitude. Here are some items from my list:

Salvation and the peace it brings
Prayer
Bible
Beautiful Healthy Christian Family
My Health
Born in America
Religious freedom
Democracy, Market Economy
Schools and teachers who care
Smart innovative people who solve our problems with new products
Soldiers committed to defending us and our way of life.
Police and Firemen/women
Church and church family
Relative Peace in the world and security in neighborhood
Beauty of Nature
Modern medicine
Good Friends

Some practical things too:
The Internet
Snowblower
Business class upgrades
Interstate highways

In the developed world of 2022 we have so much for which to be grateful. Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord, Praise and thanks to you for all you provide to us. We are incredibly blessed by your love. Help us learn to share that love with others so that we may be a blessing to them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.