Praying for Wisdom and Insight in Evangelism and Teaching
Praying for Wisdom and Insight in Evangelism and Teaching
Praying for wisdom and insight is a crucial aspect of effective evangelism and teaching. The Bible encourages believers to seek God's guidance and understanding in their endeavors to share the Gospel and instruct others. In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays that the eyes of the Ephesians' hearts may be enlightened, so they may know the hope of God's calling and the riches of His inheritance in the saints [2]. Similarly, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prays that the Philippians' love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight [3].
The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is a recurring theme in the Psalms. Psalm 119:66 implores God to grant the psalmist "knowledge and good sense" because they have put their faith in God's teachings [1]. This emphasis on seeking divine wisdom is echoed in Proverbs, where John Gill notes that believers should "cry after knowledge" and "lift up [their] voice for understanding" to comprehend divine and spiritual things [6].
In the context of evangelism and teaching, praying for wisdom and insight is essential for effective communication. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, prayer for divine teaching and direction is a vital aspect of a believer's interaction with God [5]. This includes seeking guidance on how to share the Gospel boldly, as seen in Ephesians 6:19, where Paul requests prayer that he may "boldly make known the mystery of the gospel" [4].
Theological traditions emphasize the importance of praying for wisdom. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, highlights the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians, that they may be "filled with the knowledge of [God's] will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" [7]. This underscores the significance of seeking divine wisdom in understanding and applying God's will.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 119:66 (BBE) — Give me knowledge and good sense; for I have put my faith in your teachings.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 1:18 (NASB) — I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,”
- Philippians “Philippians 1:9 (BBE) — And my prayer is that you may be increased more and more in knowledge and experience;”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 6:19 (BSB) — Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 2:3: Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,.... Of God, Christ, and the Gospel; not only bow the ear and bend the mind to these things, but importunately and fervently pray for them; not only attend the ministry of the word by men, but cry to God to give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of divine and spiritual things; which supposes some sense of a want of it, an hearty desire for it, having some apprehension of the worth and value of it; and that it is to be had, as there is indeed great reason to hope for and expect it, Jam 1:5; and liftest up thy vo”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 1:9: The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them. - And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them, I. That they might be knowing intelligent Christians: filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Observe, 1. The knowledge of our duty is the best k”