Deuteronomy 8:18 (New International Version)
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
Six weeks ago, the Holy Spirit dropped the word ‘chaos’ into my spirit. I initially thought it was intended for a friend, then for the church. I’ve come to the realization that it is also intended for something far wider. I will be posting prayers for the economy and business sector.
This call took me by surprise. I have always been an employee of someone else and never particularly interested in money. It is such a kick to witness God bringing His kingdom to earth!
Christians are reticent about praying for business success. We associate money with terms like “filthy lucre” and “mammon.” To an extent, we have walked off of the playing field in a critical sector of our society. This void has been filled by persons who do not hold the same values. Our current financial crisis is the result of greed and a disregard for the common good. We need Christian entrepreneurs and stock traders.
The current economic chaos is an opportunity for Christians to reclaim the playing field. In the creation story, the earth was without form and an empty waste; darkness was on the face of the deep. What happened? The Spirit of God moved and hovered and brooded over the face of the waters. Order was brought out of chaos. (Genesis 1:2) As Christians, we do not live the life of the flesh; we live the life of the Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells within us, directs and controls us. (Romans 8:9) What would happen if Christian entrepreneurs and stock traders were to move and hover and brood over the current economic chaos?
Order.
We are called to be a light of the world–the whole world, including Wall Street. When a lamp is lit, it needs to be placed on a lampstand to give light to all in the house. Our Christian entrepreneurs and stock traders are lamps in the darkness. The Church, and more specifically, the intercessors, are the lampstands, or platforms of support. We are called to pray that our businessmen will so shine before men that they may see their moral excellence and good deeds and recognize and honor our Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
This, obviously, will not be a short-term project. I have added a new category, Business/economics.
Holy Father,
Deliver Thy children from the tentacles and subtle encroachments of evil in our minds and actions. Our thoughts are futile if our desires and motives are not surrendered to You. Our natural minds are chaotic, confused and operate at complete opposition to Your wisdom, counsel, order, truth, benevolence, contentment and peace.
Without Your priorities and values ruling over and guiding our motives and desires, we are destructive, defiling and defrauding even ourselves.
There is nothing more wonderful than The True Riches that flow from Your Heart to Your Children. Thy riches are free, yet costly, and priceless beyond our power to purchase, yet were purchased for us by the Blood of The Son Our Savior. Thy riches are poured out to those who humble themselves to live under Your good dominion.
Abiding in You, we can do the impossible, and accomplish all that You call us to do. It is a fearful, wondrous and glorious thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Apart from You, we can do nothing.
You alone are our peace and rest.
You alone can give us breath and sustain us in life.
You alone prosper us in our endeavors, whether business, agricultural, educational, spiritual or artistic…all good gifts come from and dwell under You.
Help us, deliver us, have mercy on us. Help us to know You more and more.
Help us to humble ourselves and allow You to cut the chains of greed and selfishness from our hearts.
Help us to learn and keep Thy Word, and to know, revere and delight in the revelation of Thy Son who is the Living Word that is the foundation of the church.
Help us to align with Thy Holy Truth, Love and Life. This is Holy Prosperity.
Help us to set our sights on things above. Help to find our satisfaction in You and Your word and ways for these are all that truly fulfills, gives us joy, peace and rest.
Help us to trust and be confident in Your veracity, Your mercy, Your goodness.
Help us to refocus, realign, reunite our whole beings, spirit, soul and body to abide in You, so that we may bring forth fruit that continues in season and out of season, that glorifies and reveals You to the world.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen