Proverbs Devotional 9.8.20

I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:

Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you.  It is yours.  I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there.  Speak to me during these moments.  I commit them and myself to you.”

 II. Prayer of Confession:

“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you.  I confess my sin(s) of ______________.  Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)

III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:

Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________.  Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”

IV. Scripture Reflection

Read: Proverbs Chapter 8

Reflect:

Proverbs 8:17-21

¹⁷ I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
¹⁸ With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
¹⁹ My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
²¹ bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.

Yesterday, in Proverbs 7, we looked at a story of seduction. Today in Proverbs 8, we see the beauty of Lady Wisdom and what makes her so appealing. It’s refreshing! As you read over Proverbs 8, you come to understand that wisdom is available to everyone, particularly those of us who need it the most! Wisdom’s words are right and more valuable than any financial gain or worldly trappings we could ever acquire (6-11). Yet, even though she offers her values to everyone, only those who actually receive them will benefit. And what are the benefits of embracing wisdom? Our verses for today give us a glimpse. In them, we see the beauty and blessings that result from walking in Wisdom’s ways. When you stop and think about what really matters in life, you’ll soon see that wisdom produces a yield better than any riches we may acquire. This passage makes it abundantly clear: the result of walking in wisdom is worth it! “Wisdom gives her best to those who follow her most closely.” (Anders)

Respond:

Ask God if there is any wisdom He wants you to acquire or foolishness He wants you to lose. Know this: it is a prayer He will surely answer.

V. Prayer for others:

Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others. 

VI. Prayer of commitment:

“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself.  Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.”  (Luke 10:27)

This Week’s Scripture Memory:
Proverbs 12:25