Abiding Wisdom: Prayers Inspired by the Book of Proverbs

by Ryan Whitaker Smith, Dan Wilt

Following their two successful prayer books on the Psalms, Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt now offer a prayer book rooted in transformational passages from the book of Proverbs. Abiding Wisdom helps us rediscover the wisdom offered in Proverbs--through free-verse prayer renderings of beloved passages--as a guide to personal devotion and meditation.

The challenges we've faced in recent years have deeply impacted our cultural, social, relational, and personal health. Written prayers, expressed in the slowing, quieting, reflective language of poetry, are some of the most powerful tools we have for returning to God's faithful care. These seventy-five prayers focus on the theme of godly wisdom for everyday life and help us quiet our hearts before God. Abiding Wisdom also makes a meaningful gift for anyone in need of a biblically centered prayer book.

This artful, poetic, and classic devotional features compelling custom illustrations and beautiful hardcover binding, offering a fresh way to reflect on and pray in harmony with the book of Proverbs.

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2025

About the author

RYAN WHITAKER SMITH is an author and filmmaker from Nashville, Tennessee. His film projects include the romantic drama Surprised by Oxford, based on the award winning memoir by Carolyn Weber, the Lionsgate documentary The Jesus Music, and a forthcoming adaptation of G. K. Chesterton's comic adventure The Ball and the Cross. He is coauthor, with Dan Wilt, of Sheltering Mercy and Endless Grace, two collections of prayers inspired by the Psalms.

Reviews

[Debra Slonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read of the year and I already know that it will be one of my favorites. This beautifully written book, inspired by passages from the Bible, is filled with poetic prayers. The book of Proverbs provides a base for each prayer, while others Biblical passages provide additional inspiration.

Reading this book was pure refreshment for my heart and soul. I’ve always loved the book of Proverbs, but I think I love it even more after reading this book. I was so impacted by these poems that I read them out loud to my family. I am unable to choose a favorite prayer in this collection, because I found things to love in each and every one. Truly, an inspired collection.

This book would be an awesome companion for a study of Proverbs. It would also be an asset to a discipleship program. I highly recommend reading these prayers aloud to and with your family and friends. For me, this book has been a source of encouragement and refreshment. Read this book and then consider gifting a copy to someone you love and care about. We could all use some lasting, abiding wisdom.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Brazos Press. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.

[Pamela Jo Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I like a book because of its size, the paper it's printed on, and how it feels holding it in my hands. The book of Proverbs is a favorite book of the Bible, and holding this little book of prayers had a sense of peacefulness and lifted my heart.

Thank you to the author, publishers and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review ☺️ Thank you for trusting me with your words! 


Disclaimer - I received this n a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read by this duo of authors. It is every bit as good as the two from the Psalms (Sheltering Mercy and Endless Grace). These prayers are eloquent and poetic and, most importantly, full of biblical truth. Unlike the other two books, though, there is frequently more than one prayer per chapter. That works out fine, though, because if there was only one prayer per chapter, it would be a really short book, right?

I was reading through Proverbs during the month of October, so I read the corresponding prayers each night, along with the chapter of Proverbs. I prayed a lot of the out loud as I was reading them. Many of them stirred my heart and soul as I read them. Multiple times I found that it seemed as if the particular prayer had been written just for me and whatever I was experiencing in my life at the time.

It would be very difficult to choose a favorite, but one that immediately jumped out at me was the prayer inspired by Proverbs 10:11-14, 17-21, titled "Instrument of Blessing." It begins with speaking of how we seem to have lost our ability to bless and only curse, instead, and then ends with a plea that I might honor God with "the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart," which, of course, comes from Psalm 19.

And just like the other two books, there are extensive footnotes that go with each of the prayers, citing other Scriptures that inspired them.

I cannot recommend these books enough. For anyone who is serious about prayer and devotion (I call it "Jesus Time"), I really believe these three books are "must haves." I don't think I have ever read a book that wasn't the Bible that spoke so deeply to my soul. I literally felt my heart burning within me many, many times during these prayers. And yes, I said "literally." I can say, with no hesitation, that I physically felt stirring in my chest while reading some of these prayers. They are beautiful; they are stunning; they stir the emotions and the soul, and they draw me ever closer to Christ.

Seriously! Get these books! I truly believe that I will wear these books out over time, as I read them over and over.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For wisdom begins
in knowing You.”

Oh my goodness. This book is simply incredible! These beautifully crafted prayers, inspired by the book of Proverbs, are composed in free verse poetry. As a lover of words and the beauty of language, this book stirred my heart and drew me closer to Jesus as I read these prayers/poems aloud.

This stunning book is rich with biblical encouragement and beauty. The poetic form enhances meditation on wisdom in everyday life and explores themes such as abiding in wisdom, gratitude, justice, repentance, and trust in God's guidance. Helpful footnotes accompany the prayers, citing the specific scripture references for easy and quick access to the original biblical context.

This devotional is perfect for daily meditation and would make a wonderful companion to read alongside the book of Proverbs! 🪻🕊️🕯️📔

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abiding Wisdom by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt is a beautiful little book that has lovely black and white illustrations amidst 75 prayers based on the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs is one of my favorite Bible books. I am a practical person so I have always loved the practical advice and wisdom from the book of Proverbs. This book makes beautiful prayers from verses in this book. The prayers cover a variety of topics. A Teachable Spirit, A Gentle Answer, Pride's Cup, Who is My Neighbor? and Your Justice are just a few of the titles.

Abiding Wisdom is a book that you could use a variety of ways. You could read a prayer a day in order. You could pray the prayers on the topics that you believe you need to pray about in random order. Each prayer also has the verses the prayer was based on listed under the prayer.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Katie Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the lyrical prayers based on wisdom from each chapter of Proverbs. Such a creative expression of faith! It's a great gift book too!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Tamara J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Wisdom is a beautiful and thoughtful expression of Proverbs. Each prayer brings Scripture to life and feels intimate and personal. Wisdom speaks through these pages offering deep reflection, insight, and praise to the Lord.

[Zachary Scruggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional book including scripture.