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. Praying about church finances 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 Follows Jesus’ Example.
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 we spent more time praying about church finances 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).
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Budgeting and Finances:
- Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
- Budget Process of Body Life?
- Budget Fostering Body Life?
- Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
- Church Finances & Christlikeness
- Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
- Encourage Integrity in Giving
- Managing Finances with Integrity
- Finances & The Way the Church Functions
- Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
- Grace Affects Giving
- Financial Consultants & the Church
- Financial Management in the Church
- Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
- Perspective When Praying about Finances
- Priorities When Praying about Finances
- God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
- Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
- Help for Working on Church Budgets
- Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
- Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
- The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
- Protection & Safeguards for Church Finances
- Financial Protection Begins with the Belt of Truth
- Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances