This summer my daughters and I are sharing a devotional time by reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. It’s a simple and short way to spend time in the Word and prayer and, with 31 chapters, we’re done in a month.
With Christine heading into her senior year and Julia a sophomore, college and career choices are imminent. We are all hungry for wisdom and a desire to make godly choices. Is it any wonder that Proverbs 3:5-6 are our theme verses to memorize?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We begin each devotional by taking turns reading a verse or section, we then stop and discuss what it means to us, and conclude by praying together.
Besides the many proverbs on the pursuit of wisdom, there are other golden nuggets for discussion points. You can see how these verses from Proverbs 11 could be conversation starters:
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
When we finish a chapter, we pray together using the Scriptures we’ve just studied. Praying God’s Word has helped bring ideas for prayer topics and closure by claiming His promises.
A prayer using Proverbs 2 might sound like this:
Lord, help us to store up your command and to turn our ear to wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding. We call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding. We look and search for the knowledge and wisdom that comes from You.
Be our shield and guard us. Help us know what is right and just and fair. We want to walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of wisdom.
I have one more summer before my oldest heads to college and three summers with my youngest at home. Sharing time in the Word and prayer is a treasure.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9)
About Ann Stewart
Ann just won the Christy Award for Best Debut Novel of 2017 with Stars in the Grass, originated AMG’s Preparing My Heart series, and writes “Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe” for The Country Register. When she's not writing, she's waving her arms directing musicals, teaching middle schoolers, or watching UVA Basketball, This is Us, or Madam Secretary. In her free time she hangs out with her husband, raising two lovely daughters and a whole flock of fuzzy sheep on Skye Moor Farm, in Virginia--where unscripted drama provides plenty of entertaining material.
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