Being in the midst of a sermon series in the book of James has had me reading a lot of Proverbs. As you may know, James is sometimes called the “Proverbs of the New Testament.” There is some truth in that. James has much to say that is wise and for that matter he has much to say about wisdom. Also like Proverbs, James’ letter has also provided many ideas and practical suggestions for prayer. Take for example the passage we’re going to study this coming Sunday, James 3:13-18.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Earlier today I prayed through this passage for my fellow brothers and sisters in our congregation, and here are a few ways I prayed and you can pray:

For wisdom
For understanding
For good conduct
For good works
For meekness
For protection from bitter jealousy
For protection from selfish ambition
For protection from boasting
For protection from being false to the truth
For wisdom that is from above
For protection from that which is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic
For order, and protection against disorder
For holiness, and protection from vile practices
For wisdom from above
For purity
For peace
For gentleness
For humility in being open to reason
For mercy
For good fruits
For impartiality
For sincerity
For a harvest of righteousness
For peace
For making peace

Using Scripture to pray will align our hearts and desires to God’s.