Prayers for Illumination on Wisdom

Adapted from Ephesians 1:17-19

Lord our God, we pray these same words written in Ephesians may true of us as we come to your Word today, we pray that you might give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know you, so that, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we may know what is the hope to which he has called us, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, Amen.

Holy Spirit,

pour out upon us

wisdom and understanding,

that, being taught by you in Holy Scripture,

our hearts and minds may be opened to receive

all that leads to life and holiness.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Ancient Collect, Source Unknown

May the Lord grant that we may engage in contemplating the mysteries of his heavenly wisdom with really increasing devotion, to his glory and our edification. Amen.

John Calvin

O gracious and holy Father,

Give us wisdom to perceive you,

intelligence to understand you,

diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you,

eyes to see you,

a heart to meditate on you,

and a life to proclaim you,

through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Benedict of Nursia

Almighty God, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and freely choose the way of your wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.  

God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul.  Pour out upon us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that, being taught by you in Holy Scripture, our hearts and minds may be opened to know the things that pertain to life and holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

O Great Spirit, whose breath gives life to the world, and whose voice is heard in the soft breeze; We need your strength and wisdom. Cause us to walk in beauty. Give us the eyes ever to behold the red and purple sunset. Make us wise so that we may understand what you have taught us. Help us learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Make us always ready to come to you with clean hands and steady eyes, so when life fades, like the fading sunset, our hearts come to you without shame. Amen.

At Your Feet

Rabbi Jesus, Teacher of teachers, thank you for empowering us to know and grow in wisdom and truth. You challenge us and stretch us and open us. You grant us grace to grow over time. We bless you for your patience and welcome. It gives us the confidence to draw near. 

See us here, at your feet, ready to go deeper, ready for the new life it will bring. Speak Lord, we’re listening… pause for a moment of silence. 

At your feet © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com

Creator of all things,

true source of light and wisdom,

lofty origin of all being, 

graciously let a ray of your brilliance penetrate into the darkness of our understanding and take from us the double darkness in which we have been born,

an obscurity of both sin and ignorance. Give us a sharp sense of understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations,

and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Thomas Aquinas, Adapted for Corporate Worship by Stuart Strachan Jr.

Lord, all your treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.

You reveal them to us through words spoken in his name.

May we understand and obey.

Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship, Ed. Caryl Mickelm, Erdmans, 1967.