Filled with love of God, we ask of God the life-giving answers only He can give – not only for ourselves, but especially for all those He is calling us to love.
Accompanying Video Lesson:
So, ASK of God! Passionately, patiently, respectfully, persistently, regularly…
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 NLT
Lesson 4: Praying for Your Finances
Genesis 22:7-14; cf. John 8:51-59
“Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
Jesus Christ (John 5:56)
This lesson is about “praying” for money-related matters, not “managing” them so you can cope better.[1] We believe that PRAYER based on God’s word, is the ONLY way to be truly at peace and to experience God’s intervention and provision fully, consciously (Psalm 91:4-6).
Looking at our financial situation (through the Scriptures), whether good or bad, we pray for…
VISION: praying to see as God sees
Contentment is about what is in the hearts we bring to the table — not how much is in our bank account.
what is The vision God gives to our hearts in response to our prayers?
- LOVE of God vs. love of money (Matthew 6:19-34; Luke 12:13-21)
- YOKED with Christ (His love) vs. making it on our own (Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 30:15)
- STEWARDSHIP of grace (God’s gifts) vs. accomplishment of flesh (my effort) (2 Corinthians 8:1-10; 12:9-10; Philippians 4:10-19)
- SACRIFICE for what God has promised vs. momentary pleasure or comfort (Hebrews 13:1-9)
PROVISION: receiving as God gives
For what specifically do we pray? What is the best we hope for when it comes to money-related matters: providence (general blessedness), or specific answers to prayer? How do we know if our prayer is answered unless we pray boldly, expectantly, and specifically…? [2]
we pray specifically for…
- A HEART devoted to Christ and to what He alone will give (Hebrews 10:5-7,36-38; 11:6; 13:20-21; Psalm 112:4-9; Isaiah 26:3-4; 64:4 (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9))
- SPECIFIC material resources: “daily bread” in the context of worship, repentance and forgiveness, and spiritual warfare and Kingdom work (Matthew 6:5-18)
- FAITHFULNESS in allocating resources (Proverbs 28:19; Luke 16:10-12)
- GENEROSITY – cheerful, God-directed, and God-trusting (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
- FULFILLMENT of our mission: to finish strong to the glory of God! (Psalm 112:4-9; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:6-11)
God uses difficult circumstances to bring us back to trusting in Him alone for whatever our need…
BUT, DON’T BE UNWILLING!
“The LORD waits to be gracious to you!” Isaiah 30:8
[1] Please check with your pastor regarding the following excellent program: Financial Peace University (with David Ramsey)
Cf. Prayer for Finances – Bob Lotich
Cf. https://www.creditmarvel.com/seven-ways-to-handle-personal-finances-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Cf. https://personal-finance.extension.org/financial-security-managing-money-in-tough-times/
[2] The Right Response with Michael Jr. – Life Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKSpqxXyVmk
Suggested Response to Teaching
- Read the blog posted for this lesson and complete at least one of any activities listed there.
- Share your thoughts and experiences. Please let the David and Julia Ewert know when you have completed an activity, and what you found meaningful in the exercise. When inspired to do so, compose a prayer to share with the school that we can publish online with the blog. It can be in any form you choose (prose, poetry, music, picture, psalm, etc.).
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