December 31, 2018

A Prayer for Wisdom

December 31, 2018

DAILY READING

1 Kings 3:5-14
This weekend’s reading: Revelation 1:9-19

FIELD NOTES
As another year comes to a close today, you may find yourself looking back over the last twelve months and evaluating the results of your choices and decisions. Were they wise? Are you pleased with where your year took you?

In today’s reading, Solomon, the great king of Israel, is visited by God in a dream. God invites Solomon to ask God for anything he wants. Solomon could have asked for wealth, military victories or long life, but instead he asked God for wisdom to govern his people well. God was pleased and granted his request and threw in the wealth and fame for good measure.

Solomon knew that wisdom — the ability to take what you’ve learned and apply it effectively to the current situation — brings its own rewards.

As this old year concludes and the promise of a new year rises before us, let us pray for wisdom — to have discerning hearts in all of our ways.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

  • Look back over 2018 — what choices and decisions did you make that were wise?
  • Are there things you want to do differently in 2019?
FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • What was something you did in 2018 that you are proud of
  • What is something you want to try in 2019?

PRAYER

Loving Father, thank you for your steadfast love in 2018. Thank you for guiding us and showing us how to live as your daughters and sons. Continue to walk with us as we enter a new year. Like Solomon, we ask not for wealth nor fame, but rather for a wise and discerning heart. Amen.