Monday - The Letter of James (James 3:13)
Welcome to Daily Prayer.
We're continuing our journey through the letter of James, and this week we're looking at the nature and fruit of true wisdom.
Today we see that a truly wise person demonstrates their wisdom through an honorable and good life, by deeds done for others with the humility that comes from wisdom.
As we begin our time together, let's take a few deep breaths and quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.
Father, we draw near to you because you are wise and good. You see what we cannot see. You understand what we cannot understand. You are faithful and true. You know the end from the beginning, and we entrust our lives to you.
We humble ourselves before you. Give us a teachable spirit. Oh Lord, inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.
A Scripture Reading from James 3:13:
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
A prayer of adoration:
Lord, we stand in awe of your greatness and your goodness. We adore you for your grace and mercy. We honor you as the Lord and giver of life. By your word, all things came into being, and by your word, we have been born again. Every good and perfect gift comes from you, and apart from you, we can do nothing.
A prayer of confession:
Lord, I confess that I've had the wrong view of wisdom. I've desired to know in order to control circumstances and avoid difficulty. I have not loved you with my whole heart, and I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Your word teaches that wisdom is about living according to your word, having the humility to recognize my place in the world, and being willing to submit to your word in my life. You are God, and I am not. Lord, I have merely listened to your Word, but have not done what you have said. Forgive me, and renew a right spirit within me.
Lord, we lay hold of Proverbs 3: trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
A prayer of intercession:
Lord, we don't want to be foolish, but we are double-minded. Expose where we're depending on our own understanding. Give us teachable spirits, quick to hear and slow to speak. Give us grace to trust what you say and do what you say. You have made known to us the path of life and the way of peace.
Father, give wisdom to the husbands and wives in our community. Give wisdom to the parents. Give wisdom to leaders and pastors in our community, Lord. For teachers and counselors, for doctors and business owners, Lord, everyone carrying responsibility, we ask that you would show us how to love you and to love one another well. May your church overflow with the fruit of wisdom.
A moment of reflection:
Humility is not necessarily thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. It is your mind being full of God and being thoughtful toward others.
Let's ask the Lord this question: Lord, where am I thinking about myself too much, where you want me to be thinking about others?
This week our Scripture memory verse is James 3:13 so let’s say it together and then spend a few moments reflecting on this passage.
"Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let them show it by their good life,
by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
A closing prayer:
Lord, make us a wise and understanding people who aren't concerned about knowing everything, but are concerned to know you and make you known. Do your work in us that we may abound in the good works that you've prepared for us.
Father, fill us with your love. Help us to love you, and to love and see others the way you do. Give us grace and courage to do what you say.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen