Charles Spurgeon: Wisdom For The Asking
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.- James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom. There is no “if” in the matter, for I am sure I lack it. What do I know? How can I guide my own way? How can I direct others? Lord, I am a mass of folly, and wisdom I have none.
Thou sayest, “Let him ask of God.” [PRAYER] Lord, I now ask. Here at Thy footstool I ask to be furnished with heavenly wisdom for this day’s perplexities, ay, and for this day’s simplicities; for I know I may do very stupid things, even in plain matters, unless Thou dost keep me out of mischief.
I thank Thee that all I have to do is to ask. What grace is this on Thy part, that I have only to pray in faith and Thou wilt give me wisdom. Thou dost here promise me a liberal education, and that, too, without an angry tutor or a scolding usher. This, too, Thou wilt bestow without a fee — bestow it on a fool who lacks wisdom. O Lord, I thank Thee for that positive and expressive word “It shall be given him.” I believe it. Thou wilt this day make Thy babe to know the hidden wisdom which the carnally prudent never learn. Thou wilt guide me with Thy counsel and afterwards receive me to glory.
-Charles Spurgeon, Faith’s Checkbook Devotional, entry dated June 8
A PAGA Prayer: Pray For Wisdom
Heavenly Father,
Indeed what grace is this on Thy part, that we have only to pray in faith and You will give us wisdom. Lord, we ask along with Solomon, “give your servant an understanding mind that I may discern between good and evil.”
We live in perplexing times and “good things appear evil” and “evil things appear good,” oh Father, help us to listen closely to the Spirit You have placed within us that we may discern the times. And when, by grace, we have discerned them, to respond as You would have us to respond.
We pray for wisdom in knowing You and Your ways.
We pray for wisdom in serving You.
Lord God, give us wisdom in our prayers.
Give us wisdom in glorifying You, being followers of Jesus, and serving as ambassadors of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
With hearts full of gratitude, we thank You for the gift of wisdom. For You have promised to give us wisdom for the asking. And God, You are faithful and will do it.
Father, we hear the Apostle Paul’s warning to the Church of Ephesus as our warning also, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Give us boldness, confidence, and courage to stand up for truth, to stand up for Your Word, Your church, Your people, to stand up for Jesus Christ.
As You have spoken in Your Word, we entreat You Holy God, “help us to be careful how we live, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Grant us Your favor. Grant us wisdom. Protect us in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In The Name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Praying for wisdom is a double blessing. God gives wisdom to those who ask. And it pleases God when we pray for wisdom.
This passage in context:
That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 6 Solomon replied, “You showed faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. 7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 1 Kings 3:5-10
