Diligence is one of the virtues in the Bible that is constantly repeated in the book of Proverbs. When you study the Bible and a specific theme is repeated, it shows that there is some importance to it. Diligence is always tied with wisdom in the book of Proverbs. If one is wise, one must be diligent. For example, (Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.) tells us that the plans of the diligent lead to abundance. A wise person knows that they have to put their plans into action and be diligent. Without consistent and diligent action, none of those plans will come to fruition.
Heavenly Father, teach me the attitude of diligence, and may it always be evident in my daily life. Help me never to give in to laziness or sloth but always remember that I am working heartily for You and that I ought to be faithful and diligent in what You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Prayer for Diligence
A Prayer for Diligence
What Are Wisdom and Diligence?
The fact that we find diligence in the book of Proverbs tells us its connection with wisdom. It’s logical to assume that diligence is a by-product of being wise. Diligence is often associated with “work” or “hard work.” Whenever we’re disciplined enough to study and follow our schedule, we’re being diligent. As we strive to make a consistent effort, we’re diligent in the workplace. It’s not a surprising connection since even in Genesis 2:15, we can see that work is God’s design for us. Even before the fall, work was there. That is why Colossians 3:23-24 states that we work heartily for the Lord and not for men. Diligence and motivation come from knowing that we’re working for God.
But how are wisdom and diligence connected? Why is diligence evidence of one living in wisdom? It all starts in the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Fearing God means we revere Him. We recognize God for who He is: sovereign, holy, the Almighty, the Creator of the universe, majestic, full of beauty and splendor, glorious, and the One enthroned over everything. Given that, fear is the natural response. We would not disobey nor rebel against such a God, thinking that we’re wiser than Him. Instead, we should be humble and attune our hearts and minds to the wisdom of our majestic God and obey Him (Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 1:7). The wise thing to do is always that which is right in the eyes of God (Isaiah 6:1-3; Psalm 95:6-7; Psalm 145:3).
Wisdom follows from revering God. Knowing God and having a humble posture before Him, a believer would incline themselves with God’s will and purpose and not rebel against it because they know that being outside of it is foolish. Out of reverence before God, they would treasure His words and commands as revealed in His Word, which would allow them to grow in wisdom (Psalm 119:105; Psalm 1:2-3; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4). Hence, since they revere God, they seek out the deep treasures of His wisdom as given through His Word, live in accordance to it, know it is wise, and all the more grow wiser, even regarding work-related matters.
Here is how wisdom connects to diligence: If we walk in wisdom, diligence is one of the fruits that becomes evident in our lives. How? 1) Remember that wisdom ultimately begins from revering God. Knowing God’s greatness and majesty, we will see the value in our work, knowing that we are doing it for such a great God. That motivates us to be diligent, steward what we have well, and pursue excellence (Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31). We’re driven to be faithful in the work we do for such a Master and, therefore, become diligent (Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.). 2) It’s through God’s Word that we learn we are to be faithful, good stewards, diligent, disciplined, skillful, and excellent in our work. We learn that we work for God, our work has a purpose, we are accountable at the end for how well we stewarded what God has entrusted to us, how laziness only leads to poverty, and more. Hence, as humble beings who want to attune ourselves to God’s will and purposes, we obey the wisdom in His Word, see the value in it, and apply it in our work, in which we grow in diligence.
A Prayer for Diligence
In summary, when we revere God, the humility from revering Him causes us to attune ourselves to His will and seek wisdom in accordance with His Word, which affects how we engage in our work. It is there we see the value of our work, knowing that our work makes a difference in God’s sovereign care of the world and that we are ultimately working for His glory. Then, we seek to be diligent. We prioritize efficiently, stick to our schedule, persevere in our work, and seek excellence.
Heavenly Father, always reorient the orders in my heart to revere You, and out of my reverential fear and trust toward You, may I desire to honor You by working diligently at whatever You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Prayer for Diligence
Practical Diligence
Diligence is not just a disposition of the heart, coming from a reverential fear of God and the motive to honor Him. It’s also a practical virtue. You cannot be diligent if it only remains an abstract idea in your heart. Diligence has to come out through your deeds and actions. It’s important to note that diligence is multifaceted. Being disciplined is just one facet of it. Diligence, in essence, means being consistent, having perseverance, and getting the job done.
That is why “diligence” is used even in other matters that need consistency, perseverance, and faithfulness. For example, in Proverbs 4:23, it’s written that we are to guard our hearts with diligence. Guarding our hearts and always seeing that God is the One enthroned in our hearts, and checking our motivations, desires, etc., is essential to Christian living. Failing to do so will have negative consequences. Hence, the Bible tells us to guard our hearts diligently.
It’s also important to note that diligence is not passive but active. When working diligently, one does not see what they do as everyday routine. Yes, aspects of it are routine, especially if your job incorporates daily routines. But it doesn’t become passive because you have zeal and, therefore, are always intentional in what you diligently do. It’s because you’re working heartily for the Lord.
The same applies when we diligently study the Word of God. We do it with intent, knowing that studying God’s Word is vital as it renews our minds and helps us grow in spiritual maturity as Christians (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 6:7-8).
Father in heaven, may I always be intentional and zealous about what requires my diligence, and may you help me always do my work with persistence, fruitfulness, and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Prayer for Diligence
How Can I Pray to God to Be More Diligent?
The desire to become more diligent is excellent, and a good way to start is by acknowledging the struggles you have when it comes to diligence. When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge that we will need God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s transformative work to grow in diligence, just as God’s grace and work make us more like Christ daily. Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit helps us with our weaknesses.
As you desire to grow in diligence, lift your request to God in prayers (Philippians 4:6-7). You can specify where you need grace in your life so that you can be more diligent. It’s possible for you to be diligent in some areas and not others. You can also share with God in prayers the challenges you’re encountering that make it hard to be diligent. Is it the tendency to constantly check on social media? Is it always hard to find or make time? Remember that you’re communing with God, who is your heavenly Father.
Heavenly Father, I’m having a hard time sticking to my reading schedule, and because of that, I have backlogs and lots of readings to catch up on. My habit of procrastination is a challenge. By Your power and grace, help me to overcome this bad habit, to stick to my reading schedule, and to be diligent in my readings. Thank You because I can be diligent through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Praying to become more diligent is undoubtedly one of the things that God wants for us. It’s in His Word for us to be diligent. And in 1 John 5:14, it’s written that whenever we ask that which is according to His will, our confidence is that He hears us. As you pray and ask God for the grace to become diligent, know that such a prayer pleases Him.