A Prayer for the Gift of Wisdom

Dear God,

Grant me the gift of wisdom, To make the right choices in life, And to follow Your holy will.

Help me to discern truth from falsehood, And to have a clear understanding of Your word, So that I may live a life pleasing to You.

Guide me in my relationships, So that I may show love and understanding, To those I meet on my journey.

Give me the wisdom to know when to speak, And when to listen, And the courage to act on what You call me to do.

Lord, I am grateful for all that You have given me, And I trust that with Your help, I will continue to grow in wisdom and faith. Amen.

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The origins of A Prayer for the Gift of Wisdom

The Prayer for the Gift of Wisdom is a traditional Catholic prayer that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have roots in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Wisdom and the Book of Sirach.

The prayer was often recited by the early Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, who recognized the importance of wisdom in leading a virtuous life.

In the Middle Ages, the prayer was widespread in monastic communities, where the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge was considered essential to the religious life.

During the Renaissance, the prayer underwent a revival as humanist scholars rediscovered the wisdom of the ancient philosophers and sought to integrate it with Christian theology.

Today, the Prayer for the Gift of Wisdom remains a staple of Catholic devotional practice, often recited as part of morning or evening prayer, or during times of discernment.

The prayer expresses the deep longing for wisdom that is felt by all who seek to live a life in accordance with God’s will. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes not from human reasoning or intellect, but from an encounter with the divine.