July 3

Proverbs 30:1-31:31

If you encountered a genie like Aladdin and were given three wishes, what would be your three wishes? Your requests would reveal a great deal about what you value and your hopes for the future. We have already read about Solomon, who when given one wish, chose wisdom. Now, we see Agur’s request. In Proverbs 30:7-9 he asks God for lips that speak truth and for his basic needs to be met. He does not ask for wealth or material prosperity; rather for just enough. As you pray for material things, do you express the desire for more and more, or for your basic needs to be met? Agur asks for “only my daily bread” (Proverbs 30:8) because he understands his relationship with God is far more important than anything this world can offer.

He is concerned if he has too much or too little, he will become self-reliant rather than God reliant. So instead, he wants to see God provide each day and praise him for his gracious provision. Jesus echoes this same language in the Lord’s Prayer, which becomes a model and pattern for the way we pray. May we also have hearts that find satisfaction in God and recognize all good things we have come from him.

Father God, two things I ask of you. Keep lies and falsehood from me and give me my daily bread. Give me neither poverty nor riches, so I might not disown you or disobey you. Amen.

How can your prayers better reflect the heart of Agur?

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