Novena - Day 4

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This is the fourth day of the novena for wisdom and counsel as we prepare to vote in the presidential election.

The following is taken from the 9th chapter of the Book of Wisdom and is the prayer of Solomon asking God to make him a wise and good King. Much of Solomon's prayer is appropriate and helpful for us as we prepare to vote in the election on November 4. Let us pray for wisdom as we discern what the gospel demands of us...

God of my ancestors, LORD of mercy,
you who have made all things by your word
and in your wisdom have established humankind
to rule the creatures you made,
to govern the world in holiness and justice,
and to render judgment in integrity of heart:
Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne,
and count me among your children.

For I am your servant, the child of your handmaid;
I am weak and short-lived
and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws.

Indeed, though some be counted perfect by human estimation,
if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with them,
they shall be held in no esteem…

Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
who understands what is pleasing in your eyes
and what conforms to your commands.

Send her forth from your holy heavens
and from your glorious throne dispatch her
that she may be with me and work with me,
that I may know what is your pleasure.

For she knows and understands all things,
and will guide me discreetly in my affairs
and safeguard me by her glory…

For who knows God's counsel,
or who can conceive what our LORD intends?

For the deliberations of mortals are timid,
and unsure are our plans.

For the corruptible body burdens the soul
and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind
that has many concerns.

Scarce do we guess the things on earth,
and what is within our grasp we find only with difficulty;
but when things are in heaven,
who can search them out?

Or who ever knew your counsel,
except you had given Wisdom
and sent your holy spirit from on high?

And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight,
and humankind learned what was your pleasure,
and were saved by Wisdom.

- Wisdom 9

-ConcordPastor
Nov 4 Novena