Prayers for those who are struggling Financially
“You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” (1 Kings 17: 4)
After leaving full-time education, I had a low-paying job. Money was tight, and sometimes I didn’t even have enough for my next meal. It was a season in which I had to learn to trust God for my daily provision.
That is a similar situation for many of us today. A year ago these circumstances were unimaginable. Now we face a global recession and the closure of many seemingly secure businesses—and growing unemployment. We are left fearing for the future, unsure how long we can feed our families on our savings, and suddenly living one day at a time.
It makes me think of the prophet Elijah’s experience. He also had to learn to trust God to meet his daily needs. Shortly after Elijah pronounced God’s judgement of a drought in Israel, God sent him to a deserted place, Kerith Ravine, where He used ravens to bring Elijah his daily meals and refresh him with water from the brook (1 Kings 17:1–4).
But then the drought came. The brook shrank to a tiny stream, and slowly became a mere trickle. It was only when the brook had dried up that God said: “Go at once to Zarephath. . . . I have directed a widow there to supply you with food” (v. 9). Zarephath was in Phoenicia, whose inhabitants were enemies of the Israelites. Would anyone offer Elijah shelter? And would a poor widow have food to share?
Most of us would rather God provided in abundance long before our resources were depleted, rather than just enough for each day. But our loving Father whispers, Trust Me. Just as He used ravens and a widow to provide for Elijah day-by-day, nothing is impossible for Him. We can still count on His love and power to meet our daily needs.
Mighty God, my Creator and Sustainer I lift my troubled heart to You. Employment is a blessing I no longer hold, these terrifying circumstances have stripped away my livelihood, my career, my provision, my family’s security. I don’t know how I will get by in the days ahead. I ask that You, my loving Father, defender of the weak and the vulnerable, would graciously meet my daily needs. Provide for my obligations; comfort me in my distress. Your supplies are unlimited and You hear my every cry for help. Please come to my aid now; fix my eyes on Christ as I try to plan for the future; show me Your love and Your care. Be merciful, I pray and do not let despair overwhelm me, for my God is with me. Forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, You hold this fragile world In Your loving hands. As we face a global recession, I ask for Your comfort and Your provision. For those now out of work and facing few options for employment, show them the path You have forged out for them. For those facing debts they cannot pay and savings that will soon be gone, may the church step forward in generosity and show the abundance of Your goodness and love. For those who are fearful they will not be able to provide meals for their children, be their strong Defender and Deliverer. In this bleak time of upheaval and uncertainty, I praise You for being my Refuge and Fortress; the Rock on which Your people stand. Amen.
Faithful Heavenly Father, forgive me for so often seeking security in my finances, my job, my home. When so much of my worldly security has been taken away and is under constant threat, I am reminded of Jesus’ words telling me to seek a treasure that cannot spoil, fade or be taken from me. Lord, my great Provider and Protector, give me today my daily bread. As I live one day at a time, meet my needs in this world today, tomorrow and each day after. And show me again that my true home, my eternal reward, is untouched by these troubled times. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a thirst for Your presence. Fill my heart with worship and wonder as I see the beauty and the value of my inheritance in Christ. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
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