Praying for Wisdom

By Niobe Rodrigues

Wisdom 7:7 begins, “I prayed, and prudence was given me…”, the ‘I’ here is King Solomon who was the successor to King David. It is not clear how old he was when he began to reign but some biblical researchers have him between 12 to 20 years of age. In looking at 1 Kings 3:7-9, we see Solomon’s concerns about being a good leader to his people. The Lord visited him and asked him what he wanted. Solomon asked for a listening heart so that he could judge fairly.

At times when we read the Bible passages we get the impression or come to the conclusion that the prayer was said once, the request was said only one time and the petitioner received a reply. Yet many of us who pray and petition God regularly know that is not always the case. The song, ’Go Down and Pray’ says it’s “every morning” some prayers have to be said. Prayers as you leave a home that you would return safely. Prayers that the ones you leave at home will be found in the same state that you left them. Prayer for good health. And just like Solomon, daily prayer for prudence. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines prudence as the following:

1: The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2: Sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs

3: Skill and good judgement in the use of resources

4: Caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

The first definition looks at self-control and self-discipline. Imagine if each person said this prayer before taking to the highways and roadways on a morning what driving would be like. The second looks at managing a business. Whether it’s your personal, company, or country’s business help from God would be to our benefit. Thirdly, what is owned must be managed to help others, and the fourth support this by looking at the risks that we take.

Solomon’s request for a listening heart was not only so he could listen to the needs of the people but also so that he could listen to the advice of God. In our time of prayer with God, let us humble ourselves and give Him a listening ear. Let us offload our own cares, concerns, and petitions to Him so that when

we go down in prayer, we can get up in praise to Him for all the answers and support He has given us. Let us make communication with Him a daily habit that will bring us riches beyond compare.

Definition taken from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence