The Gifts We Need
by Alan and Clarice Smith 9 August 2022
Adapted from a William Barclay prayer book.
Reading: Proverbs 2 1 - 15
My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
if you indeed cry out for understanding;
if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures -
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
prudence will watch over you, and understanding will guard you.
It will save you from the way of evil, from those who speak perversely,
who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,
who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil;
those whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
Prayer
O God, give us the gifts which we need most of all.
Wisdom always to choose the right, and courage always to do it;
Strength to overcome temptation, and prudence ever to stay in the straight way;
Clear sight to see what to do, and perseverance never to give up trying to do it;
Grant us these things, O God.
Diligence in study, and fidelity in work;
Purity in pleasure, and delight in simple things;
Honour in every action, and truth in every word;
Grant us these things, O God.
Loyalty to our friends, and forgiveness to our enemies;
Sympathy for all in sorrow, help for all in need, understanding for those who have made mistakes;
Love for our fellow men and women, and love for you;
Grant us these things, O God.
Hymn - Break Thou the bread of life
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Prayer
We bring our thoughts, praise and prayers in Jesus' name. Amen