Nov 29 – Day 333. Ask God for Wisdom. James 1.5

“If any of you lack wisdom, ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, upbraided not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Pray confidently. If you need wisdom, don’t hesitate to turn to God. "If any of you find yourselves in need of wisdom and guidance, do not hesitate to seek it from God, who generously provides understanding to everyone without reproach or judgment. If you earnestly ask, He will grant you the wisdom you seek."

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is November 29, the 333rd day of the year, a reminder of the many blessings we've already experienced and the opportunities that lie ahead.

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at the Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. 

As mentioned before, we are journeying together in prayer through the 66 books of the Bible. In January, we started in the book of Genesis, and today we are starting in the book of James.

Today, our scripture will be taken from James 1:5. And it reads: “If any of you lack wisdom, ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, upbraided not; and it shall be given him.” 

The Lord is generous and willing to share knowledge without reproach. 

Wisdom is spiritual growth, knowledge, and how to live our lives in accordance with God’s will. 

So, today, as we pray, let's ask the Lord for discernment and understanding in our daily lives.

Let’s pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our God, our Lord, and our Savior,

We come before you with our hearts full of gratitude, for it is only by your mercy and grace that we have awakened to see this day. 

Lord, thank you for the countless blessings that you are pouring into our lives.

You are reminding us that “If any of us lacks wisdom, we can ask of you, our God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to us.”

Lord, today, we are standing on that promise. We need wisdom in our relationships with you. Teach us how to love you with all our hearts and love others as we love ourselves, with patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. 

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and distractions, we are seeking the wisdom that comes only from you. 

Lord, on our own, we are limited in understanding. Our thoughts are imperfect, our judgment is flawed, and our hearts can be swayed by fear, pride, or selfishness. 

But you, Lord, are perfect in wisdom. You see the end from the beginning. You know the hidden motives and the mysteries of life. So, give us the wisdom that we need to walk through this day in your will and in your ways.

Lord, help us to discern what is right in the midst of a world that often blurs the lines between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, good and evil. 

Teach us to choose paths that lead not to destruction but to eternal life. 

When we are faced with decisions, guide our steps. When we are uncertain, be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Lord, help us to listen more than we speak, to seek understanding before judgment, and to extend grace even when it is undeserved. 

Lord, where there is conflict, make us peacemakers. Where there is division, let us be agents of unity. Where there is hurt, let us be instruments of healing.

Give us wisdom, Lord, wisdom at work, at school, at home, and in every task we undertake. 

Give us the ability to work diligently and honestly, not for human recognition, but as service unto you. Give us discernment in how we use our time, our resources, and our talents, so that in all things, we will be glorifying you.

Lord, help us not to ignore the challenges that surround us: attractions that can pull us away from you, problems that can distract our spirits, and trials that test our faith. 

But give us grace, for your grace is sufficient, and your strength is made perfect in our weakness. 

Father, help us to resist the enticements of temptation. Help us to stand firm when the enemy tries to lead us astray. And when we stumble, remind us that we can always return to you in repentance, and you will forgive us, restore us, and set us back on the right path.

Father, we also need wisdom in seasons of uncertainty. When life feels overwhelming, give us the wisdom to trust you. 

Teach us not to lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge you in all your ways, believing that you will make our paths straight. 

Help us to know that your plans for us are good, that even in trials, you are shaping us, strengthening us, and preparing us for the greater things you have in store for us.

Lord, nothing is impossible for you. You are our God, and wisdom is not something we earn on our own, but something you freely give us. And we come to you not because of our merit, but because of your mercy. 

Lord, thank you for being a generous Father, one who gives faithfully.

Father, remember all our leaders throughout the world, give them wisdom to make decisions that honor you. 

Give parents wisdom to raise their children correctly in a confusing world. For those who are struggling with personal choices, give them wisdom to walk in alignment with your will. And those who feel lost or broken, give them the wisdom to turn to you, the source of their peace.

Lord, as we close this prayer, let your Spirit continue to dwell within us. Let us not only hear your wisdom but live a life that is daily surrender to you. 

Let our actions, words, and thoughts reflect your character and draw others closer to you. 

Let us live each day with the assurance that you are with us, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us to eternal life.

Father, thank you for hearing this prayer. Thank you for the gift of wisdom, freely given to all who ask. And thank you most of all for salvation, hope, and everlasting life.

In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray…Amen.

Everyone. Keep on praying, keep on trusting God. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow. Bye-bye.