Solomon’s prayer for wisdom.
1
O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thy word,
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And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which thou hast made,
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And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart:
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Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not from among thy children:
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For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws.
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For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded.
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Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge of thy sons and daughters:
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Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the beginning.
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And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments.
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O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing unto thee.
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For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.
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So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father’s seat.
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For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of the Lord is?
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For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain.
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For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things.
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And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?
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And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above?
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For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto thee, and were saved through wisdom.