Ohana Prayer 204 – Proverbs 17
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Our Father of the heavenly lights, we praise you. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” You care for us. Everything that happens to us is in accordance with your perfect will. In the face of hardships, we firmly believe that you absolutely did not bring us disasters to punish us for our sins, uncleanness and wrongdoings. Without your permission, not a hair of our head will perish. Thank you for allowing us to realize our weakness and immaturity, so we can turn into pure gold in the furnace of refinement. In the face of this severe global pandemic, please grant us patience so we can persevere till the end and look forward to the reappearance of dawn.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for being our confidant. How wide and long and high and deep is your love for us. This love surpasses knowledge. The length of your love extends to eternity, the breadth of your love is unlimited, the majestic ability of your love overcomes all obstacles, the depth of your love expiates our iniquity. What a privilege we have, to carry everything to you in prayer. When we are troubled and discouraged, you still firmly hold our hands so that we will not slip into desperation or destruction. We are eager to seek your face in the crack of dawn. May your will be our will so we can walk through life according to your plan.
Holy Spirit, you give us understanding and wisdom. May you always use your Proverbs to enlighten our body, mind and spirit. Rid our broken bodies of arrogance, selfishness, greed, bitterness and resentment; teach us to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”. So that we no longer dwell in fear or worry but can regain the vibrant will to live with joy, discern good and evil. Using the bible as the light on our path, we can carry the lamp of truth to overcome the darkness and be redirected onto the path of righteousness. “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shinning ever brighter till the full light of day.” We pray in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!