3h • Wisdom
Pray with Purpose
“Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:” Proverbs 30:7
Agur now turns from speaking about God’s Word to praying directly to God. His prayer is striking because of its simplicity. He does not ask for fame, influence, comfort, or long life. He asks for two things, which the next verses show are spiritual integrity and a life of balanced dependence upon God. His priorities reveal what he believed mattered most before death.
The phrase “before I die” gives the prayer urgency. Agur understands that life is limited and that there are things more important than temporary success. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Remembering that our time is short should not make us fearful; it should make us deliberate about what we pursue.
Agur also teaches us that prayer can be specific. He knows exactly what he wants God to work into his life. James 4:2 says, “ye have not, because ye ask not.” Sometimes our prayers remain vague because we have not seriously considered what we most need spiritually. Agur had thought carefully about the dangers he faced and brought those needs plainly before God.
His request also shows dependence. He says, “deny me them not,” recognizing that the life he desires cannot be produced by willpower alone. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Spiritual stability, wisdom, and faithfulness require the continual help of God.
This verse challenges us to examine what we would ask God for if we could narrow our prayers down to what mattered most. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our prayers often reveal our priorities. If most of what we ask for concerns comfort and circumstances, while little concerns character and holiness, our priorities may need adjustment.
Practically, Proverbs 30:7 encourages us to pray with eternity in view. Life moves quickly, and we should not wait until old age to become serious about the person we are becoming. Ask God now for the things that will matter when your life is finished. The wisest prayers are often not requests for easier circumstances, but requests that God make us faithful within whatever circumstances He gives.
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Pray with Purpose
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