Don’t Pray For Money, Maybe

Jesus stopped and said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” – Mat 20:32 (ERV)

There’re three reasons why you shouldn’t pray for money: Jesus never prayed for it, John never prayed for it, and Judas never needed to pray for it. 

Speaking seriously though, the prayer requests of many Believers betray a wrong perception both of God and of prayer. Petitions for money is a good example.

People generally do not need money, what they actually need is what the money buys. Yet people ask God for money the same way they would from a neighbour or from a colleague: keeping the request as generic as possible without going into specific (and probably embarrassing) details.

God already knows everything about you and there’s nothing too awkward to talk to Him about. Indeed, you’re expected to share your cares and fears with Him (1Pe 5:7).

Not praying for money itself also forces you to be specific and deliberate. Your prayer’s no longer canned and generic but detailed. Praying that way may also automatically weed false and baseless requests.

A third reason why it may not be good to pray for money is because it places a restriction on God’s operations. That a house you desire is valued at one million doesn’t mean you should begin to pray for one million. Market prices will not wait for you while you’re praying and most importantly, you don’t need one million, you need a house; pray for that instead! There’s an infinite number of ways God could give it to you apart from money if He so wishes, just pray and put your trust in Him.

This principle goes beyond money to other areas as well. As a single, don’t pray for that rich, handsome baritone in the choir, instead tell God you need the man that’s perfect for you (and yes, while you’re at that you can tell Him about the richness, the baritonness and the handsomeness. It’s no use pretending before God, tell Him everything on your mind. Believers who are honest with God are less likely to end up in error than those who pray artificial let-Thy-will-be-done’s while still harbouring idols in their hearts).

So should we still pray for money? Maybe; but avoid generic, canned, and effete prayers. Be deliberate and engaged with it. And your life – not just your prayers – will be better off.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN