All of us need inspiration to get us through the challenges of this life and to know that God is the wellspring that refreshes our spirits, gives us courage, and guides our footsteps.

Each week the Globe publishes a “Prayer for Willie” taken from a collection by Dr. Hamilton T. Boswell, to remind each of us of the presence of God in our lives, no matter what faith, denomination or interpretation we choose for ourselves.

Infinite is Your power, even so is Your love and care, O God.

Unto no one else can we draw so near, ask for so much, bring every concern and care, and find relief that restores peace again.

For such love that never lets us go, we praise Thee, O Lord.

In the midst of crisis and tragedy in the world, we pray Your love and care to keep us from all hurt, harm and danger.

Uphold us, that we faint not nor be afraid. In the words of Psalms, may we be reassured that, “If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there.

If I make my bed in Hell, behold Thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand shall hold me.”

Amen

For information regarding Prayers For Willie, Pathways for Daily Living, please e-mail Eleanor Boswell-Raine at eleanor@theglobenewspapers.com or telephone her at 510-222-5656.

Using wisdom

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed,” (James 1:5–6).
    James is referring to the wisdom we need to deal with the troubles, trials and problems of life in a manner that will be pleasing to God. When we face the questions of how to solve this problem or to meet that issue, and how to deal with this matter or that person, we often find we need wisdom. To receive it, we need to go to God in prayer.
    Wisdom is the exercise and practical use of knowledge. Many people have knowledge but do not have any practical or common sense. When we have knowledge about a matter but not the wisdom to use that knowledge properly, we should go to God for wisdom. He has promised to give it to us liberally. He will not upbraid or show malice toward us in any way.
    Our request for wisdom, however, must be asked in faith, believing that God will give it to us, not wavering at all. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shalt direct thy paths,” (Prov. 3:5–6).