Scripture takes foolishness seriously. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Yet Paul turns the word around and calls Christians “fools for Christ’s sake,” because the cross looks like nonsense to the world. So April 1st is a good day to pray for real wisdom, and for the courage to look foolish for the right reasons.
Historical Context
St Hugh was a reluctant bishop who tried to resign more than once. He is best remembered for giving St Bruno and his companions the mountain land at La Chartreuse, where the Carthusian order began. A man who wanted silence helped found the most silent order in the Church.
A Prayer for Wisdom on April 1st
Lord God, you are the source of all wisdom.
Give me a clear mind and a discerning heart,
so that I am not fooled by lies, flattery or easy answers.
Help me see things as they really are,
and to see myself honestly too.
Amen.
A Prayer for Honesty
Jesus, you are the Truth.
Keep my jokes kind and my words honest.
Let no laughter today come at someone else’s hurt.
Amen.
A Prayer to Be a Fool for Christ
Lord, the world calls your cross foolishness.
Give me the courage to follow you anyway,
to forgive when it looks weak,
to give when it looks wasteful,
and to trust you when it looks unwise.
St Hugh, pray for me.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On the morning of April 1st, before the pranks start.
- When you need to make a decision and can’t tell who to believe.
- When following your faith makes you feel out of step.
Scripture Connection
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:19
Paul reverses the usual scorecard. What looks clever often isn’t, and what looks foolish, like love, humility and the cross, turns out to be wise. That is a good thing to remember on the one day a year devoted to fools.
Related prayers
For the rest of the month, see the April Prayer Guide. For more on truthfulness, the Prayer for Honesty and the Integrity Prayer.