Heavenly Father I praise You for today. I praise You for allowing me to listen to good books and music on my way to work. I praise You for teaching me how to worship in many facets. I praise You for the gift of my family. I praise You for opening opportunities by allowing me to interview for new jobs.
Jesus told us: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Matthew 10:16, MEV] This world is harsh, evil, dark, and sinful, yet it has beauty and light if you look fully into what is around you. Christ often referred to us as sheep, I think because of how dense we have become over the generations. I know that there are people who would like to take advantage of me if they can. I know Satan attacks whenever there is an opportunity. I know that sin and sinfulness are increasing every day I breathe the air of this earth. So I need to be as wise as a serpent to move around without getting stepped on or taken as prey. I also know that I am not to harm God’s greatest creation, people, if I can prevent it from happening.
Holy Spirit teach me to be wise, flexible, and loving. Help me to watch what I say, what I do, and how I handle my responsibilities so that I do not harm others if at all possible. Help me to make wise choices and sow seeds of love, grace, mercy, and hospitality so that I can reap this back over time for the kingdom. Help me to live a life that shines a light when needed, hope to give, and forgiveness to all.
And this is my prayer: that my love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that I may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Amen. [Philippians 1:9-11]