Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV).

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

The Teacher brings his lesson to a close with a simple summary: “Fear God and keep His commandments”. God created us for a purpose – to be in relationship with Him and care for what we have been given. If this was actually written by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, it might have seemed that simple to him. Unfortunately, even Solomon had his failings, as do we all. God has made a way for us to be forgiven and cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice for us, that we may share that joy with everyone.

Loving Lord, in Your wisdom You have given us knowledge and the intellect to use it well. Help us to choose wisely and with love in all we do. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV).

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Much of Ecclesiastes sounds like Proverbs. While this verse may stand on its own, it is essential that we not merely pick verses that agree with our opinion. Verses form chapters and chapters books. What is the author’s whole inspired message? This verse is part of a larger teaching about finishing what we start, and being patient in our tasks rather than boast about what we intend to do. God has given us gifts to care for His children and for us to give Him glory.

Wise and wonderful God, we are so grateful for the resources and skills with which You have blessed us. Make us devoted in our discipleship and send us to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV).

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

The Teacher alternates between dry, almost bleak commentary and wisdom so obvious we should see it ourselves. This is likely the most well known verse from this book. Some of us from the 60s remember the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” (which I didn’t know was a scriptural reference initially, but thought it was cool when I learned!) It speaks to us about responding appropriately during the different seasons of our lives. It teaches us that opposites are not right or wrong in and of themselves, but both may be correct in God’s time. The important part is that regardless of how our lives and circumstances may change, God is constant and always with us.

Everlasting Lord, we are grateful for sound teaching that we can apply in our lives. Bless us to listen and learn, and go to share Your wisdom and love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 (NIV).

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

While this may not seem like a very hopeful opening for a book of spiritual instruction, Ecclesiastes teaches us that without a connection to God, everything is truly meaningless. Tradition credits King Solomon with writing this wisdom book, but the important part is not who wrote it, but who inspired it. God led the Israelites through the desert to teach them to trust Him in all things. The Teacher (or The Preacher, depending on your translation), the narrator of this book, has much to share, even if some of it is grim truth. 

Patient God, You have sent Your love and Your word through inspired people throughout the ages. Help us to hear this wisdom and use it for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 27:17 (NIV).

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

“Wisdom comes through interaction with others” according to the Filament Study Bible. When we gather with other believers to study and worship, we encourage one another in faith. This “sharpens” our discipleship as we go back into the world to share that faith. God wants us to share our thoughts and feelings to gain insight, and see that we are more alike than we often admit. Studying alone is beneficial, but meeting together to listen and share in the Spirit is essential.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom, that we might live wisely in a world that seems to worship foolishness. Bless us to be effective in our evangelism, sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 22:6 (NIV).

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

From the beginning, God intended that we “Be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28). Later in Genesis God promises Abraham “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). God wants us to reproduce and He wants our children to know Him. We are charged with bringing them to the Lord so when they are old enough they can choose Him for themselves. That is why today’s verse is so vitally important. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalms 127:3). We must protect this precious gift.

Heavenly Father, help us to be good examples and teachers for the next generation. Whether they are our children or not, they are all Your children. May we share the joy we know in You with them. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 21:2 (NIV).

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

When I was a computer programmer years ago, we had an acronym – GIGO – which stood for garbage in, garbage out. We are much the same in that what we put into ourselves affects our lives. The last line of the Book of Judges tells us “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). This proverb goes further with the idea that we have free will to decide, but God is aware of every thought we have and every action we take. He wants us to see that what we think and do affects our relationship with Him and others.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we waste our thought and effort on worthless things. Bless us to be the people You intend, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 19:11 (NIV).

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

I sometimes think to myself “it is good that the wise are patient with those of us who are neither patient or wise”. I know it is easy to become angry and my rationale is always to point out what caused it. Wisdom says that’s not the point. God gave us the gift of free will to think, not just react. In order to do that we must pause and ask “does this require an angry response?” And sometimes “does this require any response at all?” Evil loves to provoke us, but we can defeat it by not taking the bait. Someone wise once said “you don’t have to participate in every argument to which you’re invited.” We don’t get to blame others for starting it when we have the chance to overlook the situation as the proverb says. Jesus knew this and lived it; He calls us to do the same.

Loving Lord, You teach us to be patient with each other as You have been patient with us. May we offer all our brothers and sisters a patient ear and a loving heart. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 18:10 (NIV).

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary titles this proverb and the one following “true and false security”. Counting on money, connections or earthly control is very definitely false security. None of this can save us. We know that only God’s mercy and forgiveness lead to the security of eternal life. When we put our trust in the name of the Lord, we are truly protected.

Gracious God, even when we turned away, You kept Your promise. Forgive us and bless us to be the disciples of today, sharing the the Good News everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 15:1 (NIV).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I need to put this proverb at the top of my list, along with prayers for patience. I’d like to think I don’t say harsh things online or in person, but I’m also certain I have been less than gentle with my responses at some time. This should remind us of how Jesus answered people – while He wasn’t above calling the Pharisees and scribes “fools” when they deserved it, He embodied the love and care God sends to all of us. If we can answer a harsh word with gentle truth it can go a long way. I realize this has never been the way of the world, but we can counter that by speaking with God’s love, instead of responding in anger.

Gracious God, You sent Your Son to love and save and free us. Forgive us for the times we speak roughly to one another. Give us hearts for love alone and may we go to share the Gospel everywhere. Amen.