The Wisdom Of Prayer
by George Stroh, Senior Pastor
July 21, 2009
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
One of the most remarkable chapters in the Bible is the ninth chapter of Daniel. Of course this chapter is probably best known for the amazing end-time prophecies revealed to Daniel, "Seventy Weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city..." (Daniel 9:34). But just as remarkable is the first part of this chapter relating Daniel's prayer of praise, confession, intercession and supplications for wisdom regarding his people, Israel.
Daniel was around 90 years old when he was studying the words of the prophet Jeremiah; "I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely seventy years." (Daniel 9:2). Daniel's understanding that the years of Israel's captivity were nearing an end, drove him to his knees in prayer, "So I gave my attention to the Lord to seek him by prayer and supplication....." (Daniel 9:3).
Daniel confessed his sins and the sins of his people. Then he prayed that the Lord would forgive and take action soon on behalf of the people, "O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For your own sake O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name." (Daniel 9:19).
In James 5:16 we read, "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." This righteous man Daniel understood that receiving God's wisdom required both the study of God's Word and effective, faithful prayer. We pray effectively and faithfully when we pray according to God's Word and when studying God's Word, we need to be praying for more of His wisdom- "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33).
God heard Daniel's prayer and while he was still praying, God sent the angel Gabriel to answer his prayer; "...O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding." (Daniel 9:22).
God not only promises to give us His wisdom (insight with understanding) when we ask, but to give it to us "generously and without reproach". Just like Daniel, we can expect God to generously bless us with His wisdom, without reproach when we seek Him in our study of His Word and prayer. He wants His children to come to Him, confidently, faithfully and expectantly seeking His wisdom and His promise is "...it will be given". Maranatha!
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