P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
We look at the two options of wisdom for us in this life.
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Lord, you are so gracious to me. Thank you that you are God over all things, and I can trust you. As I enter this time, fill me with your Spirit. Let me hear from you through the power of your Word.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 23…
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
As I reread the passage, I reflect on the questions, “How is my life touched by this word?” and “How does this passage connect with my life?”
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
James draws a sharp contrast between two kinds of wisdom: one that comes from below and one that comes from above. Worldly wisdom is driven by envy, selfish ambition, and the desire to elevate self, even when it appears intelligent or effective. James refers to it as demonic. But this kind of wisdom produces disorder, fractured relationships, and confusion. God’s wisdom, by contrast, is not loud or self-promoting. It is pure in motive, peaceable in spirit, gentle in action, and open to correction. It bears fruit in righteousness because it flows from a heart submitted to God. True wisdom is not proven by what we claim to know, but by how we live—especially in humility, peace, and mercy toward others.
Lord, show me your wisdom. Break me from my dependance on the wisdom of this world. Show me a better way.
Revive us, Lord! Break down the chains of the oppressor. Release us from all the dominions and powers of this world. Set your people free and let us walk in that freedom and not run back to slavery.
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen to how the Lord is inviting me to respond to him. Where in my life do I need to yield in obedience to what he has for me?
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
Yielding Prayer
Lord God, you are the source of all true wisdom. I confess that I often lean on my own understanding, allowing pride, envy, or self-interest to guide my choices. Forgive me for the ways I have pursued peace on my terms instead of yours. I submit my heart, my words, and my actions to you. Teach me to walk in humility, to love what is pure, and to sow peace in obedience to your Spirit. Shape my life so that it reflects the wisdom from above, for your glory and for the good of others.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in James 4…
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:8-10
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus