Today is September 9.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 & 9.  
  
  
      “Now then, my children, listen to me;  
         blessed are those who keep my ways.  
      Listen to my instruction and be wise;  
         do not disregard it.  
      Blessed are those who listen to me,  
         watching daily at my doors,  
         waiting at my doorway.  
      For those who find me find life  
         and receive favor from the LORD.  
      But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  
         all who hate me love death.”  
Wisdom has built her house;  
         she has set up its seven pillars.  
      She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;  
         she has also set her table.  
      She has sent out her servants, and she calls  
         from the highest point of the city,  
               “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  
         To those who have no sense she says,  
               “Come, eat my food  
         and drink the wine I have mixed.  
      Leave your simple ways and you will live;  
         walk in the way of insight.” 
  

This message from Proverbs is all about our need for wisdom. As you come to prayer today, do you need wisdom for any area of your life? Take time as we begin to bring to mind one or two situations that are tricky or complex, or where the way forward isn’t clear.  Invite the Lord now to bring you wisdom.  
   
“For those who find me, find life.” Proverbs presents wisdom in a personified way… as though wisdom is a person who is present to guide us, to counsel us, and to nourish us. It’s communicating to us that God himself is wisdom. The way of wisdom is not the way of intelligence. The way of wisdom, of insight, goes beyond mere data or language or memorization, or following the crowd of what culture tells us is wise. The way of wisdom is the way of the Lord and the way to life. The way of wisdom, the proverbs say, is also a way that requires our attention. Listen to the pay again and pay attention to all of the blessings that wisdom brings to us… 
   
This passage ends with a great encouragement for us. Wisdom isn’t for the intelligent. It’s not just for the specially gifted. Wisdom isn’t out of reach. No, wisdom calls calls out to us and wants to be found. She stands outside her house and calls to us, and her doors are wide open. And when we come, we feast on an incredible banquet! As we close our time today, be encouraged— God wants to give you wisdom. Be confident that he will speak to you and lead you today. He is with you!

Music: If You Say Go (We Wait For You) - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)