...to Hold Others Before the Throne
of God's Grace in Their War

Our praying this month is about wisdom and revelation. We gain the beginning of our inspiration from Ephesians 1:15-17 from which we formulate our praying. We see that Paul was asking that the spirit of wisdom and revelation would find release in those he was holding in prayer. He believed this should come in the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ.

We discovered there are several sources–some impure–from which wisdom and revelation might come. Each is like a fountainhead from which will flow the reasonings and ideas that make up the way a person responds to everyday life and situations. Much ungodly wisdom is reaching for people today. This calls for much praying. These are not prayers of control. They are, instead, prayers of intercession to hold others in the presence of the Lord that His wisdom might be formed in them, and that the revelation of God's grace and power might come over them. The "prayer starters" this month are different. We hope you can adapt them to your particular circles of prayer.

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DAY 1—Opening Our Hearts to the Spirit of Wisdom

Take note again how Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:15-17—Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him…

See how he asked for the Spirit of wisdom. This is not like asking for a cup of wisdom. It is like asking for a river of wisdom. We ask for it to be set flowing. We ask it both for ourselves and for all we hold in our circle of supplication.

Knowledge (in Ephesians 1:17) is from the Greek epignosis, a strong word meaning "full knowledge" or "acknowledgment." The way the passage reads in the Greek could lead to two interpretations. It could mean, "I am praying God will give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so you can come to the full knowledge of Christ." Or. it could mean. "I am praying God will give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation that comes from your knowledge of Christ."

The first leads to knowing Christ in a greater measure because wisdom and knowledge are working. The second reads to a greater release of wisdom and knowledge because Christ is known. Both are right. Bottom line is this, wisdom is of the utmost importance if we will function with Christ in His Kingdom.

DEAR FATHER, I come before You with great need and desire for the wisdom that only You can give. My situations are beyond my reasoning ability. The mistakes I have made cause me grief—even in thinking of them. But, I thank You for taking the foolish things I have done and bringing something good out of them.

Now—won’t you please give me the Spirit of supplications and grace that will enable me to become an intercessor on behalf of others. Enable me to step out of my circle of need to bring these others before You. I love them and care for them, and am inclined to worry about them. I renounce that worry and simply hold them in Your presence. Let Your Spirit begin to release Your wisdom in all of us.

How to Grow in Wisdom—Proverbs 2:1-6

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DAY 2—Wisdom Comes from Our Union with Christ

In the first half of Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians he lays out the truth of our identification with Him. We must have the help of the Holy Spirit to know what we call Ephesians Truth. The understanding Paul was presenting in the first half of Ephesians 1 could only come by revelation. When he prayed for the spirit of wisdom, he also asked for the spirit of revelation.

FATHER, my own wisdom has failed. My own ability to walk upright is too weak to maintain the righteousness of Your Kingdom. Therefore, I yield the counsel of my heart and the desires of my soul to You. Please sanctify my inner man. Let me show forth the glory of the wisdom of leading a Christ-filled life. Here are these I hold before You. I believe their hearts are ready for You to move in a new way in them.

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DAY 3—Taking on the Care for Others—The Second Circle

 

Remember that Paul wrote The Epistle to the Ephesians  while in prison. He was there because of what he preached about Christ Jesus. He cared for the people to whom he had ministered. But now, all he could do was pray for them, and write to them. In what he wrote he told what he prayed. This, of course, benefits us and inspires us toward praying for wisdom. We observe that it was the first thing for which Paul prayed. So, we have also placed it first in our discipline.

Ephesians 1:15a,16,17—Wherefore I also...cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of (or, "for the acknowledgment of") Him. NIrV—I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus...That is why I have not stopped thanking God for you. I always remember you in my prayers. I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father. I keep asking him to give you the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know God better.      

GRACIOUS LORD, help me understand that the greatest move of wisdom I can now make is to acknowledge Your Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord. Several people close to me need to make this same move. Draw them as I hold them before Your Throne of Grace. Release in them an understanding of Your mercy, and power, and wisdom.

How the Gospel Contains the Wisdom of God—I Corinthians 1:17-24

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DAY 4—Renouncing Wisdom That Is Not from Above  

The Epistle of James tells of eleven qualities of wisdom. The first three of these make us unfit to function in God’s Kingdom. We will deal with these one at a time. But first let us see the passage that names these qualities.

James 3:14-17—But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is ¹⁾earthly, ²⁾sensual, ³⁾devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first ⁴⁾pure, then ⁵⁾peaceable, ⁶⁾gentle, and ⁷⁾easy to be intreated, ⁸⁾full of mercy and ⁹⁾good fruits, ¹⁰⁾without partiality, and ¹¹⁾without hypocrisy.

 We deal first with the wisdom that is devilish. This word devilish clearly means that it is caused by the activity of demons. Even those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ are subject to these demonic attacks upon our minds. In fact, we can expect these attacks will come with increasing frequency as the time of the end comes closer.

See the following passages of Scripture. We intentionally repeat the one from James. We want to be sure our minds are purged from the sort of thinking that would come from the realm of Satan. He tries to take hold of the dominion that belongs to Christ Jesus.

James 3:14,15—But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is... devilish ("demonic").

II Corinthians 11:3—But Eve was tricked by the snake's clever lies. And I'm afraid that in the same way your minds will somehow be led down the wrong path. They will be led away from your true and pure love for Christ.—NIrV

GRACIOUS FATHER, I renounce every thought and idea that disqualifies me for service in Your Kingdom. Set up a search through my way of thinking. Let me see any so-called wisdom I may have embraced that belongs to the realm of Satan. As I hold these before You, bring the conviction of Your Spirit upon them. Deal with them till they are ready to embrace Your wisdom that is pure.

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DAY 5—Finding Our Release from this World's Wisdom

In Ephesians 6:12 Paul told of four levels of satanic evil with which we must contend.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against ¹⁾principalities, against ²⁾powers, against the ³⁾rulers of the darkness of this world, against ⁴⁾spiritual wickedness in high places.

Satan’s hierarchy of evil with which we must wrestle has two parts. First, we’re learning to overthrow the powers of evil in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, we’re learning to maintain our hold against them as we focus on Him.

Paul spoke of this in Philippians 3:14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The word mark comes from the Greek word skópos from which our word “scope” comes. We will ask the Lord to help us set our “scope” on Jesus, and then to keep our eye focused on Him.

Romans 1:21,22—Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
NIrV—They knew God. But they didn't honor him as God. They didn't thank him. Their thinking became worthless. Their foolish hearts became dark. They claimed to be wise. But they made fools of themselves.

James 3:15—This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly ("low and groveling")…
NIrV—Wisdom like that doesn't come down from heaven. It belongs to the earth...

FATHER, too much of this world's wisdom and way of thinking has worked into us. We have thought and lived in accord with the world. Bring the conviction of Your Spirit over upon us.  Deal with our vanity. Show us the ways in which we have submitted to the thinking that is inspired by the hierarchy of evil. Here are these dear ones who have come under the rule of the principalities and powers that rule in this area. Draw them close, then closer to Yourself.

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DAY 6—Renouncing Wisdom that Separates Us from God

James told of a wisdom that is sensual. This might be translated as “soulish.” It is wisdom that flows from the soul of fallen human nature and opposes the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. People who have learned to live under the influence of principalities that rule in cities, institutions, corporations and, sometimes, denominations very often guide their lives by wisdom that is sensual.

I Corinthians 2:14—But the natural ("soulish") man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
NIrV—Some people don't have the Holy Spirit. They don't accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. Things like that are foolish to them. They can't understand them. In fact, such things can't be understood without the Spirit's help.

James 3:15—This wisdom descendeth not from above but is...sensual ("soulish")…
NIrV—Wisdom like that doesn't come down from heaven. It belongs to the earth. It doesn't come from the Holy Spirit. It comes from the devil.

Proverbs 3:7a—Be not wise in thine own eyes...

FATHER, our souls are prone to thoughts that leave You out. We have tried to devise our own ways that have resulted in grief and disaster. Help us repent. Teach us to ask for Your mercy. Give us Your wisdom to bring us out of the situations we have created with our own sensual wisdom.

How Paul Gave Up His Own Natural Wisdom—I Corinthians 2:1-8

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DAY 7—Finding the Purity of the Wisdom from Above

Wisdom’sprimary quality is purity. It cannot be corrupted. It is eternal because it contains no element that can bring it to a failed conclusion. Almost everything else has within it a seed of its own corruption and judgment, but not the wisdom of God. When we embrace that wisdom, it first leads us to Christ Jesus. He brings the purity of this wisdom into us. As we grow in relationship with Him, He becomes our wisdom.

I Corinthians 1:30—But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: NIrV—Because of what God has done, you belong to Christ Jesus. He has become God's wisdom for us. He makes us right with God. He makes us holy and sets us free. (Learn this verse. Meditate on it. Let it enter all that you are.)

James 3:17a—But the wisdom that is from above is first pure… NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven is pure.

 

Philippians 4:8—Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. NIrV—Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.

       

FATHER, please release this wisdom upon my whole family. Help us hold on to what is true. I name each one before You that You might draw forth honesty in us, even when it hurts. Help us be just in our dealings with others. Keep purity upon us. Help us love things that are lovely and good and virtuous. Help us walk in wisdom toward the world.

 What Wisdom Will Bring into the Life of a Young Man—Proverbs 2:10-20

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DAY 8—Discovering the Peace that Wisdom Brings

It’s marvelous when we finally settle into an embrace of the wisdom that is from above allowing it to bring peace into our very own beings. Before we open ourselves to this wisdom, there is often turmoil, confusion, indecision and general unrest. But the wisdom God gives us is just the opposite. It is disposed toward peace—peace within ourselves, peace in whatever family we may have, peace with whomever we might associate outside our family, even peace with those who want to cause us trouble. Try it! You will see this is so.

James 3:17a—James 3:17a—But the wisdom that is from above is ...then peaceable… NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven ... loves peace.

Isaiah 9:6—For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor (Counselor of Wonders), The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.   NIrV—A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace.               

 FATHER, heal the wounds in our spirits that cause us to hold on to old hurts. Release in us the wisdom that will enable us to live peaceably with others. Release Your peaceable wisdom into the lives of these others in our family. Heal their hurts so peace can come. Here are these that I name before You. I call Your peace into them, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace, the Fruit of Righteousness—James 3:18; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18

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DAY 9—Finding the Gentleness of Wisdom

Gentleness is a great quality. Some people take pride in not being gentle. But this leaves many people hurt along the way. Some people don’t know how to be gentle because no one was gentle with them when they were growing up. When the Lord Jesus enters a life, this can all change. The Prophet Isaiah gave a prophecy about Him—A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench…(Isaiah 42:3). This gives a prophetic picture of His gentleness toward those who are wounded. That’s all of us. We can learn from Him to be gentle toward others.

James 3:17a—But the wisdom that is from above is...gentle... NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven ... thinks about others...

Isaiah 40:11—He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. NIrV—He takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have little ones.    
                                                                          

DEAR LORD, please cleanse us from all pride and hardness of heart that makes us have to be right. Grant us the gentle wisdom that will help us listen to, and care about, what others have to say. Some near us need us to be gentle with them. Help us care about their hurts and to be gentle, with no judgment.

The Gentle Dealings of Wisdom—II Timothy 2:23-26; Galatians 6:1-3

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DAY 10—The Wisdom that Can Be Persuaded

 

The wisdom that comes to us from the heart of God will listen to what others have to say. Many people have the need for someone to listen to them, without arguing with them. I sat and listened one night to a young man talk and talk, much of it making no sense at all. After some hours of listening, without ever trying to interrupt him to persuade him to think differently, he suddenly stopped and asked me to tell him how he could be saved. Listening was the wisest thing I could do.

There is also the matter of listening to someone who has an idea different from my own. It may be no more than trying to decide what to eat for supper, or where to plant a tree. As far as the Kingdom of God is concerned, most of the time the things we argue about just don’t matter that much at all.

James 3:17—But the wisdom that is from above is ...easy to be entreated (compliant, willing to yield) ...NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven ...It obeys...

James 1:19,20—Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. NIrV—My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. A man's anger doesn't produce the kind of life God wants.

LORD, help us add kindness to wisdom. Too often we are hard and unyielding toward others when what they need is love and compassion. Work it into us to become kinder toward those who oppose us. Let them see You working in us.  Help the people of our fellowship be kind to strangers. Show us how to love people who are of a different belief without giving up our own values that we hold dear.

Becoming Fruitful in the Knowledge of the Lord—II Peter 1:5-8

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DAY 11—Walking in the Mercy of Heaven's Wisdom

 

The wisdom that comes from God leads one to be merciful and full of goodness. These qualities take time. Many of us are too busy to show mercy. We’re too busy to do good things for other people. The wisdom that God gives can help us learn how to have time for others. This is important, especially in families. It’s important also if we’re forced to live with someone we don’t like, or who doesn’t like us. If we are followers of the Lord Jesus, then whoever we are around should feel His love through us. That’s a lot more important than winning an argument.

James 3:17—But the wisdom that is from above is ...full of mercy and good fruits...

 

Luke 6:36-38—Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. NIrV—So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy. "If you do not judge others, then you will not be judged. If you do not find others guilty, then you will not be found guilty. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you."

DEAR LORD, sometimes I have thought it wise to be harsh and unyielding. This always brings resentment in others and causes more trouble. Help me find the way of mercy that will work in harmony with Your wisdom. Help the people I have hurt in my harshness become ready to receive the mercy I am now ready to show them. LORD, this needs to work right here in my family. Teach us how to pray  that this will also work among the nations.

Learning from God Who Is Full of Mercy
—Psalm 86:15; Psalm 119:64; Psalm 145:8

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DAY 12—Exhibiting the Impartiality of God's Wisdom

Sometimes it’s not easy to be impartial when it involves someone we care for or someone we don’t care for. We have to remember that the Lord Jesus died for all persons alike. There was no favoritism when He became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.

James 3:17—But the wisdom that is from above is...without partiality... NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven is ...is fair.

I John 2:2—And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. NIrV—He gave his life to pay for our sins. But he not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world.

I Thessalonians 5:14,15—Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. NIrV—Brothers and sisters, we are asking you to warn those who don't want to work. Cheer up those who are shy. Help those who are weak. Put up with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back one wrong act with another. Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

FATHER, I yield myself to the grace of Your wisdom. Let it work into me an attitude that is right toward everyone with whom I will have something to do today. Especially give me wisdom to deal with any that are unruly, feebleminded, or weak. Work this same mercy, mingled with wisdom, into these I now hold before You.

Learning to Love Others As We Love Ourselves
—James 2:1-8

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DAY 13—Hypocrisy Will Take Over Those Who Forsake
Godly Wisdom in the Time of the End

In the latter days some will subject themselves to the lies of false religion and depart from their faith in the Lord. Spirits of deception will take advantage of them and they will lose their ability to understand what is true and what is false. They will become disabled in their inner beings, losing all awareness of who they are. In such a condition, some will become given over to hypocrisy, pretending to be what they aren’t. The enemy will try to corrupt the awareness in every believer, of who they are in Christ and who He is in them. Because of the anti-Christ’s intention to take us away from our relationship with Christ, we are admonished to give ourselves to the wisdom that is from above.

James 3:17—But the wisdom that is from above is...without hypocrisy. NIrV—But the wisdom that comes from heaven.. doesn't pretend to be what it is not.

I Timothy 4:1,2—Now the Spirit speaketh expressly (in clear, direct speech), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith (shall apostatize), giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (so they have no feeling of what others are going through). NIrV—The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days some people will leave the faith. They will follow spirits that will fool them. They will believe things that demons will teach them. Teachings like those come from liars who pretend to be what they are not. Their sense of what is right and wrong has been burned as if with a hot iron.

DEAR LORD, forgive me for pretending to be more spiritually minded than I actually am. Work in me a wisdom that gives up hypocrisy. Set me free from every tendency that makes me an easy target for deceiving spirits. Now, I hold these before You who have a relationship with You part of the time. At other times they don’t seem to really know You. Draw us all up close so we can know You intimately all the time.

Providing Things Honest in the Sight of All
—Romans 12:17; II Corinthians 8:21; Philippians 4:8; I Peter 2:12

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DAY 14—Setting Us Free from the Counsel of those Who Move According to Their Own Natural Wisdom

There are people who have learned from the trials, failures, and successes of their own lives. Their counsel may come with good intentions, but may be mixed with elements not fitting with Christ's wisdom. Bitterness can work its way into the wisdom of a person who has gone through trial or failure. Pride can work its way into wisdom coming from success. Each of us needs discernment from the Holy Spirit in receiving counsel from others. The Lord will give us discernment to rid ourselves of  ideas and ways of thinking that do not fit in with the wisdom from above.

Ezekiel 11:2—Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief and give wicked counsel in this city. NIrV—The Lord said to me, "Son of man, these men are making evil plans. They are giving bad advice to the city.

Psalm 36:3a—The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise…NIrV—His mouth speaks words that are evil and false. He has stopped being wise.

DEAR LORD, we have come under the counsel of men taken up with their own life experiences. This has brought trouble. It hangs over us and will not let go. I repent for receiving their counsel. Please help these in my family repent. Give us Your wisdom so we can build our lives anew for Your Kingdom. 

Seeing God's Light through the Darkness—Psalm 36:1-9

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DAY 15—Rejection of Wrong Counsel

Sometimes people of the world give counsel that may sound right. But we who belong to the Kingdom of Christ must learn to keep our souls free from any ungodly counsel. There is a blessing pronounced on those who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. See the following.

Psalms 1:1—Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. NIrV—Blessed is the one who obeys the law of the Lord. He doesn't follow the advice of evil people. He doesn't make a habit of doing what sinners do. He doesn't join those who make fun of the Lord and his law.

Romans 16:18—For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. NIrV—People like that are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving only themselves. With smooth talk and with words they don't mean they fool people who don't know any better.

FATHER, give me insight and understanding in my dealings with the world. I want to remain simple, but not when it comes to discerning wrong counsel. Release Your godly wisdom in me that I might withstand the deception that is out there. Do this also in these loved ones I hold before Your Throne today.

Worldly Wisdom Personified as a Seductive Woman
—Proverbs 7:4-23

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 DAY 16—Discerning the Counsel of Good Men Who Lack Good Counsel

There are many good people, with good intentions who are not qualified to give counsel. Indeed, there are plenty of these. When we have received counsel from someone who is a good person but whose counsel seems strange, we should politely thank them. Then, let us go to the Lord and ask Him to place within our hearts what is right.

Most of us hang out with good people. At least we think they’re good because they are our friends. That’s all the more reason we should pray. Friends often counsel us out of their compassion instead of out of the wisdom that comes from the Lord. Therefore their counsel may often be what James called sensual, out of the soul of man. See what the Lord spoke to Job with regard to the counsel of his friends who came to him when he was in dire need of help.

Job 4:1; 5:27—Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said... Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good. NIrV—Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied... "We have carefully studied all of those things. And they are true. So pay attention to them. Apply them to yourself."

 Job 42:7a—And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right…NIrV—After the Lord finished speaking to Job, he spoke to Eliphaz the Temanite. He said, "I am angry with you and your two friends. You have not said what is true about me...

FATHER, many people have tried to advise us in what we face. Honestly, it has brought confusion. I believe some of what they have said is right, but I need Your help to discern what counsel to follow. Help these in my family who have come under strange counsel. Give us all understanding in responding to what we face now. O, LORD, please bring good out of it!

God's Judgment concerning the Counsel of Religious Men Who Were not Right
—Job 42:7-10

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DAY 17—Receiving Wise Counsel from Godly Counselors

It is a dangerous thing to think we can walk without the counsel and help of others who walk with the Lord. All of us need counsel at times. Often it’s a good thing to pray with others seeking what is right. Wisdom—real godly wisdom—may frequently come when believers get together and pray. In fact, we should learn always to seek guidance and wisdom from praying people.

Scripture is teaching us to seek counsel from a multitude of counselors. Far and away, the best way this can come about is in a praying group. Then, no one is as apt to give their own opinion, as they are to seek the consensus of the whole group. Sometimes, when the situation is grave and the path is dark right counsel will come only after much prayer.

Proverbs 11:14—Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. NIrV—Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it.

 

Proverbs 15:22—Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. NIrV—Plans fail without good advice. But they succeed when there are many advisers.

 

Proverbs 24:6—For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. NIrV—If you go to war, you need guidance. If you want to win, you need many good advisers.

 

LORD, this word about safety in the multitude of counselors must be important. I see it in Your Word. Please lead me to those who can pray and then give right counsel. Give me Your wisdom as to how to follow advice that comes from godly counselors. Now—please give these loved ones I hold before You a desire to heed good counsel. Give them counselors who know You.

The Consequence of Rejecting Right Counsel—I Kings 12:1-19

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DAY 18—Giving Heed to the Wisdom of God's Word

The Bible is full of wisdom. But, we can’t just open it up, place our finger blindly on a page and think that there we will find our answer. That’s the wrong use of God’s word. It’s close to being like an occult practice, which is wrong in the eyes of the Lord. It’s much better to take on a passage, like the whole Epistle to James, and spend some days there reading and meditating. In fact, the Word of God carries with it a cleansing power for our soul. Time out to give heed to what is written—every day—will do great things as His wisdom begins to form within us.

Psalm 119:11—Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. NIrV—I have hidden your word in my heart so that I won't sin against you.

 

Colossians 3:16—Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. NIrV—Let Christ's word live in you like a rich treasure. Teach and correct each other wisely. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing with thanks in your hearts to God.

FATHER, I have great love and respect for Your Word. Please give me the help of Your Spirit so I can apply its counsel to my everyday life. Show me how not to twist it or to use it to defend my own end, when what I want is contrary to Your will. Please give these I hold before You a fresh and keen desire toward Your Word and its counsel.

“Eating” the Word—Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1-3; Revelation 10:9,10

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DAY 19—Walking in Wisdom toward the World

Those of us who are believers must also associate with the world. In this association we must walk with wisdom. See here how Jesus warned His disciples.

Matthew 10:16—Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. NIrV—"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves.”

Colossians 4:5—Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. NIrV—Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity.

LORD, I must live in the world and communicate with many who do not know You in a personal way. Help me live among them and conduct my affairs in a wise manner. Help my speech and the way I carry myself be honorable to You. Let my life be a good witness for You. Let someone see You in me today. Here are some with whom I work and who do not know you. I hold them before You. Bring the convicting work of Your Spirit over on them. Oh, let them behold Your love in me.

A Believer's Communion with the World—John 15:18,19; 1 John 2:1

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DAY 20—Opening Ourselves to the Generosity of God as He Gives Wisdom

We often find ourselves in more trouble than we know how to handle when we walk in a way that is not wise.  If we had come to the Lord in the first place we might have missed out on taking the wrong turns that led to trouble. The highest wisdom there is comes from God. James gave the following wonderful advice about coming to God when we need to know what to do. He never scolds us for not having wisdom.

James 1:5—If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. NIrV—If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone. He doesn't find fault.

 I John 5:14,15—And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. NIrV—There is one thing we can be sure of when we come to God in prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he wants, he hears us. If we know that God hears what we ask for, we know that we have it.

FATHER, too often my wisdom allowed me to do unwise things. I regret this. Forgive me for not looking to You for Your wisdom and help. Help these in my family who did not wait before You till You formed Your wisdom in them. We all need Your grace in this situation—and an abundance of wisdom.

How God Delights in Our Search for Wisdom as It Turns
 Toward Him—I Kings 3:7-13

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DAY 22—Discovering the Wisdom God Gives

When we consider the importance of the fear of the Lord, we must understand it is not a phobic kind of fear. It’s, rather, a deep respect and reverence for Him. This may begin by coming to Him with our sin and failure to find the grace He bestows. He is loving and kind and not quick to bring judgment. He is just, but He is also merciful. And, we remember that when we come to Him with our little wisdom, asking for more, He does not rebuke us.

Psalm 111:10—The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. NIrV—If you really want to become wise, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. All those who follow his rules have good understanding. People should praise him forever.

Proverbs 9:10—The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. NIrV—"If you really want to become wise, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. To know the Holy One is to gain understanding.

Proverbs 15:33—The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. NIrV—Having respect for the Lord teaches you how to live wisely. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

DEAR LORD, in awe of Your love, I present myself before You today with the utmost humility. My wisdom has failed and I have become baffled by the situations that surround me. I need Your mercy and Your wisdom. Please give me understanding. From this moment, I want to take right steps. Help me, and these whose names I now call before Your Throne.

The Counsel of a Man who Learned to Trust God—Psalm 34:1-11

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DAY 23—Finding God's Hidden Wisdom

Paul called the wisdom from the Lord, the hidden wisdom. This means it was wisdom contained in the heart of God. It was there from eternity, before the dawn of what we know as time. It was tried, refined in His fire, revealed in His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

A marvel is that we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus was foreordained before (known before) the foundation of the world (I Peter 1:20). He was the Word (the Logos) of God that was made manifest in the flesh for us. He was in the eternal wisdom of God.

Thus knowing Christ Jesus today connects us with The Great Source of wisdom, a source not defiled or contaminated by the anti-Christ system. The wisdom revealed to us in Him, and by Him, will go with us into God’s eternal Kingdom.

Romans 16:25,26a—Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest... NIrV—Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest...

I Corinthians 2:7—But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. NIrV—But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 

HEAVENLY FATHER, how marvelous that You have ordained a wisdom from out of eternity to work in us who trust Your Son! Since our own wisdom has failed over and over, we yield to Yours. Teach us to wait before You till we know its release in us. Now, we request this for these whose names we mention before Your Throne.

The Mystery Unveiled—Ephesians 3:1-6

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DAY 24—Developing the Wisdom of One's Own Soul

If we are to have an effective life as a child of His Kingdom, we must have His wisdom at work in us. We learn this from Paul: the first thing for which we pray is for the spirit of wisdom. Now, we see that wisdom is first in the qualities that fit a person to reign. Of course, this comes after our lives have been touched and transformed by the grace of Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 4:7,8—Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour; when thou dost embrace her. NIrV—Wisdom is best. So get wisdom. No matter what it costs, get understanding. Value wisdom, and she will lift you up. Hold her close, and she will honor you.

FATHER, please make me into a wise person with my life in order. Help me to learn from my failures and mistakes. Cause me to grow in wisdom so that I not make more mistakes. Draw these I hold before You into wisdom. Help them learn from their mistakes so they can make steps toward getting their lives in order.

King Solomon Asks the Lord for an Understanding Heart—I Kings 3:5-15

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DAY 26—Embracing the Wisdom of God's Word

The Bible is full of wisdom, but we must seek it there. When we go to the Holy Scripture aware that we are needy, the Holy Spirit will see to it that we receive from its light and life. One of the greatest qualities in any person is that of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Another quality is that of knowing we lack wisdom. When we know where to find wisdom, we are blessed, indeed.

Psalm 19:7—The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. NIrV—The law of the Lord is perfect. It gives us new strength. The laws of the Lord can be trusted. They make childish people wise.

Psalm 119:129,130—Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding ("wisdom") unto the simple.NIrV—Your covenant laws are wonderful. So I obey them. When your words are made clear, they bring light. They bring understanding to childish people.

FATHER, I bring each one in my family before Your Throne and loose them from the corrupt wisdom of this world. Move upon each one today with desire for the wisdom You bring. Help me, help my husband and our children embrace the wisdom of Your Word. Draw us to love Your Word and to seek its light.

Discovering the Power of God's Word—Psalm 17:4; 107:20; 119:9-16

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DAY 27—The Danger of Rejecting Wisdom's Humility

Pride is a dangerous thing to embrace. No more need be said. Therefore, we will renounce it. If we cannot discern it in our life, ask the Lord to reveal it. Then we can renounce it.

Proverbs 18:12—Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility. NIrV—If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

Proverbs 22:4—By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.NIrV—Have respect for the Lord and don't be proud. That will bring you wealth and honor and life.

FATHER, I humble myself before You. I renounce a haughty spirit. I ask You to cleanse me from the way of thinking that causes me to lift myself up by putting others down. Please work in these I hold before You. Draw them into the humility and meekness that comes when we know Your presence and Your ways.

Submission and Humility—I Peter 5:5-11

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DAY 28—The Wisdom that Was Eternal with God

In Proverbs 8 is a statement that comes from the eternal Wisdom that was with God in the creation of the world. When we realize that God has invited us to seek this Wisdom for ourselves, we are indeed humbled. It wouldn’t hurt to go and read this entire proverb. Memorize it, dwell on it...lest we have any doubt what wisdom is and what wisdom expects.

Proverbs 8:

22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. 

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 

26 while as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 

27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there: when He set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 when He established the clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep: 

29 when He gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth: 

30 then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him;

 

NIrV—"The Lord created me as the first of his works, before his acts of long ago. I was formed at the very beginning. I was formed before the world began. Before there were any oceans, I was born.  There weren't any springs of water at that time.  Before the mountains were settled in place, I was born. Before there were any hills, I was born. It happened before the Lord made the earth and its fields. It was before he made the dust of the world. I was there when he set the heavens in place. When he marked out the place where the sky meets the sea, I was there. That was when he put the clouds above. It was when he fixed the ocean springs in place. It was when he set limits for the sea so that the waters had to obey his command. When he marked out the foundations of the earth, I was there. I was the skilled worker at his side. I was filled with delight day after day. I was always happy to be with him.

 

DEAR LORD, please release in us the wisdom that You ordained for Your glory. Release it upon my family. Release it in our fellowship. Release Your wisdom in our leaders. We all need the Light that shines from Your eternal Kingdom. Please protect and give wisdom to the children of Your Kingdom who are out among the nations.

How the Gospel, although Simple, Exceeds the Wisdom of this World.
—I Corinthians 2:1-9

 

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DAY 29—Inclining Our Hearts to Hear What Wisdom Will Say

 

The following is a Word for those whose hearts are bent toward reigning in life with the Lord Jesus. It is His grace that brings us to this place.

Proverbs 2:

2 Let your ears listen to wisdom.
Apply your heart to understanding.

3 Call out for the ability to be wise.
Cry out for understanding.

4 Look for it as you would look for silver.
Search for it as you would search for hidden treasure.

5 Then you will understand how to have respect for the Lord.
You will find out how to know God.

6 The Lord gives wisdom.
Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.

7 He stores up success for honest people.
He is like a shield to those who live without blame.
He keeps them safe.

8 He guards the path of those who are honest.
He watches over the way of his faithful ones. NIrV

FATHER, these that I name before You are holding on to what is true. Many of them face difficulty. Please draw forth honesty in each one, even when it hurts. Help each one be just in their dealings with others. Keep purity upon them. Help them love things that are lovely and good and virtuous. Help them walk in wisdom as they work and live among those who don’t acknowledge You. And Lord—please grant them to have godly companions in their daily walk.

Wisdom, the Principle Thing—Proverbs 4:5-9

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DAY 30—The Wisdom of God's Way  

 The ways of the Lord are unsearchable. Some of us cannot understand why He chose us for the purposes of His Kingdom. I am one of those. He often chooses those who have little qualification in order to show the wonders of His grace and faithfulness. God, in His wisdom, knows who is best qualified for His eternal purposes. We are learning to trust Him and to obey Him. Paul laid out why God chose me in I Corinthians 1:26-29—

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

 

DEAR LORD, here I am with not much that seems worthy of Your Kingdom. But, I have yielded myself to Your grace. Won’t You please bring forth in me the qualities that will make me useful for Your Kingdom. Work Your Kingdom qualities into these I hold before Your Throne. Move upon each one of them that they might know just what Your grace will do in them. Bring upon us all the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. Let this operation of Your Spirit increase in us day by day.

TaKE Note of Those Whom the Lord Chooses.

—Matthew 11:25; James 2:5; II Timothy 1:8,9

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DAY 31—Holding Government Leaders before God's Throne that Wisdom Be Released in Them

 We have all kinds of people leading the governments of the world. We are thankful for those who acknowledge the Lord in their lives. We pray especially for them, because the enemy will do what he can to discredit them and make their leadership ineffective. Whatever the stand of any leader, Christian or not, we are admonished to pray for them.

I Timothy 2:1-3—I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. First, I want all of you to pray for everyone. Ask God to bless them. Give thanks for them. Pray for kings. Pray for all who are in authority. Pray that we will live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. That is good. It pleases God our Savior.

David prays for his son, Solomon—I Chronicles 29:19a—And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes…Help my son Solomon serve you with all his heart. Then he will keep your commands and rules. He will do what you require. He'll do everything to build the grand and wonderful temple I've provided for."

Proverbs 8:14-16—Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom. I am understanding. I have strength. By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice. I have good sense and give good advice. I have understanding and power. By me kings rule. Leaders make laws that are fair. By me princes govern. By me all nobles rule on earth.

FATHER, I name before Your Throne these men and women who lead our government. For the sake of our country, release Your wisdom upon them. Grant them knowledge and understanding in ways that are right in Your eyes. Bring integrity and uprightness upon them. Cause them to govern with honesty and with justice.

We pray for the righteous Government of Christ to come in all the earth.
—Psalm 72

 

 

 

 

 

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