praying effectively: Do Not Pervert Justice (Pv.31:1-9)

(Proverbs 31:1-31)  The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:

2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we do not give our power away to the opposite sex (31:3)
- that government leaders are not womanizers or drunks (31:3-4)
- that government leaders should defend the rights of the vulnerable and not pervert justice (31:8-9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, be with our government leaders.  Help them not to seek after selfish and self-serving desires, but guide them in wisdom that they will have the country's best interests at heart.  Amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Plot Evil (Pv.30:11-33)

(Proverbs 30:11-33)

11 There is a kind of man who curses his father and does not bless his mother.
12 There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness.
13 There is a kind—oh how lofty are his eyes! And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.
14 There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords and his jaw teeth like knives, to devour the afflicted from the earth and the needy from among men.

15 The leech has two daughters, “Give,” “Give.” There are three things that will not be satisfied, Four that will not say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, and the barren womb, earth that is never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, “Enough.”
17 The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wrong.”

21 Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot bear up:
22 Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food,
23 Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.

24 Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The shephanim are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in the rocks;
27 The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks;
28 The lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.

29 There are three things which are stately in their march, even four which are stately when they walk:
30 The lion which is mighty among beasts and does not retreat before any,
31 The strutting rooster, the male goat also, and a king when his army is with him.

32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33 For the churning of milk produces butter, and pressing the nose brings forth blood; so the churning of anger produces strife.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we stop ourselves from acting or speaking foolishly (30:32)
- that we stop ourselves from exalting ourselves (30:32)
- that we stop ourselves from plotting evil (30:32)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your wisdom.  And thank You for changing me from the inside out.  And yet still - I do stupid things.  Protect me from my own foolishness as I cling to Your words of wisdom.  Help me to shine Your light to the world and be a pleasing aroma to You, glorifying You in everything that I do and say.  Amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Slander (Pv.30:7-10)

(Proverbs 30:7-33)

7 Two things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion,
9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.

10 Do not slander a slave to his master, or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:  that we do not slander (30:10)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You are the Lord of truth.  Help us live by that standard.  May we refrain from lying, gossiping, slandering and profaning Your name.  Help us realize that these sins are very harmful and hurtful to us and other people and to You.  May all our words be truthful, edifying and encouraging, and always spoken with pure motives.  Amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Twist God's Words (Pv.30:1-6)

(Proverbs 30:1-6)

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle.

The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man. 
3 Neither have I learned wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!

5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6 Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:  that we do not add or twist God's words in the Bible (30:6)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You so much for giving us the Bible.  May we always cherish Your words of life, and may Your words be protected from those who wish to change them or add to them.  May we never think that we are wiser than You.  May we know without a doubt that everything You tell us in Your word is true, and it always works without fail!!!  Thank You for giving me tests in my life, in order for me to see that this is so.  Help me to continue applying Your truths in my daily walk with You.  Amen.

praying effectively: Correct Our Children (Pv.29:15-27)

(Proverbs 29:15-27)

 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.
19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; for though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his slave from childhood will in the end find him to be a son.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we disciple our children (29:15)
- that we correct our children (29:17)
- that we are humble (29:23)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, help us to be humble.  Even as parents, help us to remain humble while we are raising and nurturing our children.  Even when they are older, help us to continue to be an example of humility and a source of wisdom.  May we all keep growing together and maturing in Your gracious love.  Amen.

praying effectively: Seek Justice (Pv.29:1-14)

(Proverbs 29:1-14)

 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, but a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his steps.
6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern.
8 Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger.
9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, but the upright are concerned for his life.
11 A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that government leaders should seek justice for their regions (29:4, 14)
- that we should be concerned for the rights of the poor (29:7)
- that we do not argue with foolish people (29:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for overseeing our nations.  Please give our political leaders wisdom, and convict their hearts so that they will see their need for You and Your guidance.  Convict their hearts so they see how they should be running our country.  May justice and righteousness reign in our land.  Protect the vulnerable.  Spur Your children toward helping the poor in ways that are effective and efficient. 

praying effectively: Be Bold in Righteousness (Pv.28)

(Proverbs 28:1-28)

 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
14 How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.
18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked will fall all at once.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother and says, “It is not a transgression,” is the companion of a man who destroys.
25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we do not support murders (28:17)
- that we keep the law and do not uphold those who break the law (28:4)
- that we do not show partiality (28:21)
- that we value integrity over riches (28:6)
- that we value understanding over riches (28:11)
- that we are bold in God's righteousness (28:1)
- that we confess and forsake our sins (28:13)
- God will not hear the prayers of the disobedient (28:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins and hearing my prayers.  Thank You for Your grace, which gives me eternal security.  While I am still here on earth, show me where I am wrong, so I may confess that, so as to not impede my prayers.

Help me to seek after Your righteousness, so as to demonstrate Your lovingkindness.  I thank You for how generous You are.  Help me to be content with what You have given to me.  And help me to be wisely generous to the poor.  Amen.