Written by Jim Loscheider* (Elder) on April 17, 2023.
Years ago, the concept of “Pray First” was impressed upon my heart by one of my mentors. He had plastered this two-word sentence, “Pray First” all over the office one weekend. When we as staff came in on Monday, we couldn’t help noticing the directive, and realized that prayer is our first work.
Once in Africa, on a volunteer work project with Samaritan’s Purse, our team was attempting to fix a cement mixer. We took it apart and realized the bearings were shot. We didn’t have replacement parts. I said, “let’s pray and ask the Lord to help make this work.” We prayed, packed what was left of the bearings with grease, and miraculously, it worked. God answers prayer, sometimes in ways we can’t even explain.
What the Bible Says About Prayer
The Bible has a lot to say about prayer and we can gain much wisdom and insight when we “talk to God” about anything. So…how do we pray regarding money?
How about praying that we’d be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us? Ask the Lord to direct our steps and guide us in wise spending decisions.
Here are some Scriptures to help remind us of who God is. Let these verses guide us on how to pray over our finances:
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NASB
“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9 NASB
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NASB
“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 NASB
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NASB
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 NASB
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond (immeasurably more) all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NASB
A Prayer for Personal Finances:
God, thank you that your word says that you will supply all of our needs according to your riches in glory. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever and I can trust that since you have been faithful to a thousand generations you will be faithful to me and will never leave me or forsake me.
Your word says that as I seek first your kingdom and your righteousness you will provide everything I need. Help me to be content when every message around me tempts me to desire more. Keep me from wanting things I can ill afford. Help me to be a better steward of what you’ve entrusted to me. While the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, thank you Jesus that you came to give me life to the full and that you can do immeasurably more than I can ask, think, or imagine according to your power at work in me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Wise Financial Resources is a new ministry launched at Alliance Bible Fellowship that provides curated resources from various trusted Christian authorities/experts at our church.
*Adapted from seedtime.com