Tuesday - The Letter of James (James 1:5-8)

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This week we're beginning a 12-week journey through the Letter of James. Today, James tells us what to do when we don't know what to do. This is the key to receiving wisdom: Ask God. Ask God with a willing spirit to do what he says.

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're wise and good. You see what we cannot see. You understand what we cannot understand. You know the end from the beginning and we entrust our lives to you. We humble ourselves before you.

Oh Lord, inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your word.

A Scripture Reading from James 1:5–8:

"5 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. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

A Prayer of Adoration:

Father, I praise you for your generosity. You hear our prayers. You generously answer anyone who has a willing spirit. If we are willing to trust you, you will not turn us away. I thank you that you give good things freely and openly, without scolding or shaming us. You are so patient and gracious, and for that, I adore you.

A Prayer of Confession and Trust:

Lord, forgive us for leaning on our own understanding. We want the answers. We want to know what's going on. We want to be in control. Forgive us for being double-minded and unstable. For going back and forth between willing and unwilling. Forgive us for wanting to know the way but being unwilling to surrender to your will and walk in the way.

And Lord, we also ask that you would forgive us for our reluctance to be helpful and generous to people when we don't think they deserve it. We have often shamed and insulted and found fault with people, instead of treating them the way that we want to be treated. Lord, forgive us for not being gracious and generous with what you have given us.

Today we trust you with what we don't understand. I trust that you will give me the insight I need if I'm willing to do what you say. You aren't looking for the perfect words, but the faith that lays hold on you, knowing that you know what we need before we ask.

So, Lord, we ask you for wisdom. 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." Lord, we acknowledge you as our only source.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Father, give us wisdom for what we're facing, because we don't know what to do, how to respond, or which direction to choose. We desperately need insight beyond our own understanding. And Lord, we're weak without you. Strengthen us. Help us, Lord. Only you can help and save. Only you can heal and restore.

Father, give wisdom to the parents in our community. Wisdom to leaders and pastors in our community, Lord. For teachers, for counselors, for doctors, business owners. Lord, everyone carrying responsibility, we ask that you would show us how to love you and to love one another well. Pour out wisdom on your church.

A Moment of Reflection:

Lord, you know what I need. Would you show me if there's something that's keeping me from asking you for wisdom?

Give me a willing spirit, Lord.

As we listen to this passage again, let's listen for what the Lord may be saying to you today:

"5 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. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

Weekly Passage to Memorize and Consider:

James 1:5

"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."

A Closing Prayer:

Father, give us your perspective. Help us to trust you, follow you, and walk in your ways, even when we cannot see what's ahead. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

*Scripture reading by Clara West. Scripture memory verse by Amelie Joy Adcock