Practicum Home » Budgeting and Finances » Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do

Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do

Share:
To get the greatest benefit from this practicum, make sure you have read related training on the site. Click below to read about Christ-Like Character:

In a previous post we questioned how we are to know how to manage finances, particularly when income and expenses go over or under budget. If we truly want to live out God’s purposes, design, and commands for the Church, we need to know His heart in all matters. We need to take a Christ-like approach to all we do, including financial matters. Prayer is fundamental to that kind of approach.

By praying not only in the budget process but also in managing finances we are …

… following Jesus’ example.
… following Jesus’ instruction.

Praying about Church Finances Follows Jesus’ Example.

Jesus Prayed Not as I Will
(Click to enlarge in Pinterest & repin.)

Communicating with and doing the Father’s will was most important to Jesus. (Jn. 4:34; 5:30; 8:29; Matt. 26:36-44). Jesus consistently set time aside to go to the Father in prayer about a variety of matters and decisions that had to be made (Matt. 14:23; Mk. 1:35; 7:34-35; Lk. 5:16; 6:12-13; 9:18, 28).

Of utmost importance to Jesus was submitting to the Father’s will even when it would be unpleasant or would not be what He in His human state would want to experience (Matt. 26:36-44; Heb. 5:7). Prayer was a major part of that process.

Praying about Church Finances Follows Jesus’ Instruction.

Jesus spent a good bit of time teaching on prayer. He taught about its importance and the Father’s delight in answering prayers in accordance with His will (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:22; Mk. 11:24; Jn. 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24). He instructed us to be persistent in praying (Lk. 11:5-8; 18:1-8). He gave a sample of how we might pray (Matt. 6:9-13) and gave instructions on our attitude in praying (Matt. 6:5-8; Mk. 11:25).

Jesus emphasized the need for us to abide in Him in order to do anything of eternal consequence (Jn. 15:1-5). Prayer is a part of abiding in Him.

He said that if we “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” we’ll have what we need so we don’t have to worry (Matt. 6:25-34). Elsewhere in Scripture we read that the antidote for worry is prayer. — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

This content is included in the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide along with a few implications for Christ-like handling of the church budget and financial issues.

If the Church spent more time praying and less time fighting or obsessing over financial concerns, we would be more of a light to the world around us as we would be demonstrating Christ-likeness to them. As Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24).

All Posts about Budgeting and Finances:

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published but may be used to contact you of any responses to your comment. Spam, requests for free material, and promotional info will not be posted; nor will a response be forthcoming. Required fields are marked *

*