Scripture: Job 28.20-21
Where then does wisdom come from?
Where does understanding dwell?
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
concealed even from the birds in the sky.
Guided prayers and meditations are a common part of Christian spiritual practice. Return to this prayer through the day or over the weekend, as it will be a different experience based on your mood and surroundings. — John
Reflection: Where Wisdom Is Found :: A Guided Prayer
By John Tillman
In the last days of a short month, we pause to seek God’s wisdom beginning with the words of Job.
There is a mine for silver
and a place where gold is refined…
But where can wisdom be found?
Where does understanding dwell?
Reflect briefly on some decisions you have made. Move chronologically backward. Spend no more than sixty seconds weighing each one as wise or unwise.
Reflect on one from yesterday.
Then one from the weekend.
Then one from last week.
Then one from two weeks or more.
Now return to the words of Job on wisdom’s value.
No mortal comprehends its worth;
it cannot be found in the land of the living.
The deep says, “It is not in me”;
the sea says, “It is not with me.”
It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
Reflect on some places you have looked for wisdom.
Articles? Advisors? Academic research?
Thank God for human wisdom! We must, however, confess to God that human wisdom can only take us as far as human understanding, which even the greatest of scientists would admit continually finds more questions than it answers.
Ask God to open to us the true and timeless wisdom that comes from one unlimited source.
God understands the way to it
and he alone knows where it dwells,
…he looked at wisdom and appraised it;
he confirmed it and tested it.
And he said to the human race,
“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.
Thank God for his wisdom that is first of all pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Ask God for his continual grace to grant you his wisdom in each moment of the remaining week, the remaining month, and the rest of this year.
Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Search for the Lord and his strength; continually seek his face. — Psalm 70.4
– Prayer from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.
Full prayer available online and in print.
Today’s Readings
Job 28 (Listen – 2:44)
1 Corinthians 14 (Listen – 5:40)