shawnlovejoy.com: My #1 most often prayed prayer...

   Over the last twenty years, there is DEFINITELY a #1 thing I have asked God for most often: WISDOM. Of all the things I've prayed for wisdom has been teh most consistent theme of my prayers. wisdom is defined (by dictionary.com) as "having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion." Ironically, this is the BIBLICAL definition of wisdom!
   Why has my number one prayer been to ask for wisdom? Several reasons. First of all, the Bible tells us to ask for it: "If any of you lacks discipline, he should ask for it" (James 1:5). Second of all, God is clear in Scripture that He gives favor to those who make their number one prayer, a request for wisdom. Check this out: "The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s reply and was glad that he had asked for wisdom. God replied: “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people and have not asked for a long life or riches for yourself or the death of your enemies—I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and honor! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life"1 Kings 3:10-13 (NLT).
      But do you want to know the #1 reason I ask for wisdom? I NEED IT! I am overwhelmed on a daily basis by the demands placed on me, the responsibility I have to God and His people in my church, and the complexity of the decisions I am called to make. I need God's perspective on the decisions I make, because eternity hangs in the balance. The number one thing I need as a man, parent, a husband, a spiritual leader, and a pastor, is wisdom. And praying for wisdom has payed off. God has protected me SO MANY TIMES. God has allowed me to make the right call SO MANY TIMES. Have I always made the right decision? NO! I'm human! But God has given me wisdom and it has made all the difference.
      Can I challenge you today? Stop making PEACE your # 1 prayer; Stop making FAITH your # 1 prayer; Stop making PROTECTION your #1 prayer. Stop making BLESSING your #1 prayer. Make WISDOM your #1 prayer. And God has hinted at the fact that WISDOM could be the key to all the other stuff we need and desire.