“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV
One of the most amazing things that can happen in a Christ-follower’s life is when we allow the Holy Spirit to change our being from the inside out. It is astonishing to know that Jesus did not leave us alone to live here on Earth. Instead, He gave us a “helper” Who will guide us into becoming more like Him.
When we pray to God, it is important to ask Him these four things- wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment. Our life here on Earth is not a battle between the devil and the Lord. It is a battle between our flesh and our Spirit. That is why it is essential to ask for the Lord’s power over our minds, hearts, and bodies.
Pray for wisdom
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
A Christ-centered life is not easy. Sure, it is bearable because of the grace of God, but it is difficult. The verse above tells us to look carefully when we walk because while there are things that are out of our control, there are also mistakes in our life that can be avoided if only we have wisdom. But the Bible is also careful in saying to walk as wise, not unwise. Fools or unwise people are those who are governed by their feelings, while wise people are those who live by the principles found in the Scripture.
God, indeed You are the source of all wisdom. Help me to fear You all the days of my life so I can gain wisdom. When Amidst trial and tribulations, help me not to make impulsive decisions that will cause me to be hurt or harmed. Father, I pray to have the humility to listen to elders and to apply what I have read in Your word. Please help me learn the art of consulting You before making any actions so that I may be wise in how I think, speak, and act.
Pray for knowledge
“For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;” Proverbs 2:10 ESV
To have the proper knowledge of Jesus Christ enter our soul is to have the ability to discern what is good and what is not. We must have the right view of who God is, what He has done, what He continues to do, and what He will be doing. By then, we will be able to gain knowledge and, later on, help us to acquire wisdom that will push us to live wisely.
My All-knowing Father, You created the whole universe and still hold my life in the palm of Your hands. Thank You for the gift of life. I pray that You will bless me with the Spirit of knowledge, that I may become aware of Who You truly are and what You can do. In that way, I could live a life that honors You. Please fill me with Your knowledge every day because I want to discover divine treasures. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray for understanding
“And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 ESV
It has been said that the best kind of knowledge a man can attain in his lifetime is a deep understanding of God’s sovereignty. To have wisdom and knowledge are two things, but to have a clearer view of the truth of God is another. One must also be humble enough to acknowledge that they don’t know or understand everything, so they must be teachable in all areas of their life.
Almighty Father, I praise and honor You, for You are the Alpha and Omega. You are rich in love and mercy. Please forgive me for the times I did not choose to get to know You in a more personal way. I am sorry for the times I failed to recognize Your power. Today, I ask that You would enable me to have a deeper understanding of Who You are, Your will, Your ways, and Your promises. Please help me to become teachable all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray for discernment
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 ESV
Not everything we see, hear or read in the world applies to our life. Just because something is relevant to others doesn’t mean we also need to experience it. Sometimes, things will bring us happiness, but it doesn’t mean that it is pleasing to the eyes of God. Having the right discernment will keep us from many choices that are good in the beginning but, in the end, will cause us harm or pain.
Jesus, thank You because You did not leave us alone here on Earth without a Helper. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I desire to become a better follower of You in how I think and act. Please help me distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and what is pleasing in Your eyes from what will hurt You. Guide me into becoming a disciplined disciple. I know that You can see the past, present, and future, so please help me see what is the best for me every second of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.