Wise Choices-Praying Proverbs
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
This summer I am embarking on an adventure through Proverbs. It's an awesome place to gain wisdom. Reading and listening for wisdom occurs using our eyes and our ears. We must allow what we study to gravitate to our minds and hearts if we what transformation of the way we live to be evident.
Adam McHugh, author of The Listening Life, says “Biblical listening is a whole-hearted, full-bodied listening that not only vibrates our eardrums but echoes in our souls and resonates out into our limbs.”
Gaining wisdom requires action and guidance from the Holy Spirit, our interpreter.
Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
In my seeking wisdom process this summer I am going to use a variety of resources from sermons to Bible studies on Proverbs. Off our spiritual bookshelf I have pulled an older book called Proverbs Prayers, by John Mason. In this book you read a Proverb and then the author has taken those verses and created a prayer to pray those specific guidelines into your life. Prayer is where the power is and praying scripture is a potent way to pray.
With each chapter I will write in a journal what I believe the Lord is wanting me to add to my "wise choice" list.
I am not sure if this is wise or not, but we have agreed to keep our youngest son's children for 5 nights! If you don't hear from me one morning it is probably because they have me held captive up in the loft which is our play room.
First5.org ministry started a study this month called Proverbs-Everyday Guidance for Making Everyday Decisions. The introduction states: "Proverbs confirms there is an ideal way to go (Proverbs 22:6) -God's way. However, Proverbs does not promise that God's people will always have ideal experiences in every situation on this side of eternity....But if we read it as a guidebook for how to become more like Christ-faithfully pursuing God's will in every decision we make, even when our current circumstances are less than ideal-we will find it is indeed 'much better to get wisdom than gold' or any earthly reward (Proverbs 16:16)."
A nibble from Proverbs 1 on why to study this book. Verses 2-7
"Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings. You will learn what is right and honest and fair. From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense. If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom, and all kinds of riddles. Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice."
Part of a prayer for Proverbs 1
"Lead me to receive wise counsel and have a right fear of You in my life. When I do, You entrust supernatural information to me. Help me to avoid being foolish by rejecting Your wisdom and instruction." John Mason
The Song
“Because He Lives” Carrie Underwood
