Tuesday - The Letter of James (James 3:14-16)
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 look at the counterfeit wisdom that keeps us from drawing close to God and each other.
As we begin our time together, let's take a few deep breaths and quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.
We slow down and resist the hurry of the day.
Oh my soul, put your hope in God.
Fix your gaze on Jesus.
Lord, we look to you for life.
We surrender all our worries and cares to you.
Lord, true wisdom is grounded in awe and respect for you.
Father, we draw near to you.
We humble ourselves before you.
Help us to see you rightly, that we would tremble at your word.
Give us a teachable spirit.
Oh Lord, inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.
A Scripture reading from James 3:14–16:
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
A prayer of confession:
Lord, we repent for listening and looking to the wisdom of this world, for doubting that your way is the way of life, for rejecting the garden of your goodness in order to receive what this world has to offer. Lord, we repent for sounding wise and good, but having a self-serving motivation.
We confess that we've been fueled by selfish ambition. We have lived for power and pleasure, for comfort and control, and have allowed all kinds of disorder and brokenness into our lives. We have placed ourselves and our plans above you and above those that you've called us to love.
We renounce the worldly, fleshly, demonic wisdom of this age that parades itself as wisdom for the good life.
We embrace the wisdom of Jesus. Lord, you ask us the question, what good is it to gain the whole world and forfeit your soul?
Lord, we embrace the wisdom of your word and place our hope in you and in your kingdom that will last forever.
Prayer of petition and intercession:
Father, give us an eternal perspective. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better, to clearly see the values of your kingdom, that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened to know the hope that you've called us to, the glorious inheritance that we share with your people, and the power that is at work in us.
Lord, may we walk in your ways to the glory of your name.
And Lord, for those who've been hurt through our jealousy and ambition, forgive us. Show us how to make things right. Holy Spirit, hover over the chaos we have caused, and bring your light and peace. Bring order, we pray. We surrender and commit to the values of your family, to your kingdom. Guide us so that we will be known for the way that we love each other.
A moment of reflection:
Lord, is there any place where I'm harboring envy or jealousy or selfish ambition that you want me to surrender to you?
As we listen to the passage again, ask the Lord to make it plain to you where you've embraced a worldly view of wisdom.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
And now our weekly verse to memorize and embrace together:
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 closing prayer:
Lord, make us a wise and understanding people who are not in a hurry, but are eager to do what is good. Lord, we submit to you and resist the lies of the enemy. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we would rejoice and be glad all of our days (Ps. 90).
In the name of Jesus,
Amen