Stewardship and the Power of Prayer
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” - 1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV
Stewardship is one of the foundational principles of a Christian's walk, yet it is often misunderstood as being solely about money. While financial stewardship is important, true biblical stewardship encompasses every resource God entrusts to us time, talents, possessions, and yes, our finances. As Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 16:2:
"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
This instruction reveals a fundamental aspect of stewardship: intentionality. Stewardship is about setting aside what belongs to God and managing His resources with purpose and prayer.
Stewardship Begins with the Heart
Stewardship is about recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. We are merely caretakers of the resources He has given us. This mindset shift is critical because it keeps us grounded in humility and gratitude, reminding us that our lives and possessions are ultimately gifts from God.
In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul asks the early church to set aside a portion of their income, a specific call to financial stewardship. The practice of giving intentionally and proportionally is a tangible way to acknowledge God's provision and trust Him with our future. However, this act isn't just about obedience it's about the posture of the heart. Stewardship requires more than a plan for money; it requires submission to God’s will.
Prayer as the Foundation of Stewardship
Prayer is essential to stewardship because it aligns our hearts with God's will. When we pray, we seek God's guidance on managing what He has entrusted to us wisely. Without prayer, stewardship can quickly become a self-centered practice, where we might be tempted to rely on our own wisdom, desires, or sense of control.
In many Christian traditions, the use of prayer oils serves as a symbolic act of consecrating oneself or one's resources to God. Just as prayer oils can sanctify and set apart, our stewardship is a way of dedicating everything we have to God’s purposes.
Here are some ways prayer supports our stewardship:
1. Prayer Reminds Us of God's Ownership
When we start with prayer, we remind ourselves that God is the true owner of all we have. Through prayer, we acknowledge that our resources—time, talents, and money—are not ours to hoard or misuse. Stewardship is less about managing our resources and more about being faithful to God’s resources. Prayer enables us to shift our focus from ourselves to God.
2. Prayer Helps Us Discern God's Will
In moments of decision-making, prayer is crucial to discern how God wants us to use our resources. Should we donate to a cause, invest in a ministry, or allocate time for a particular task? Prayer opens our hearts to hear God’s voice and guides us to be good stewards in a way that aligns with His purposes.
As stewards, we need to be in constant communication with the Holy Spirit, who helps us make wise and generous decisions. Prayer invites God into the process, ensuring that our choices are not solely based on worldly standards but on the kingdom's values.
3. Prayer Nurtures a Generous Spirit
Giving can sometimes feel like a burden, especially when resources are tight. However, prayer shifts our mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. When we pray, God transforms our perspective on giving. Rather than viewing it as a loss, we begin to see it as an act of worship and a reflection of God's generosity towards us.
In praying over our finances and resources, we open our hearts to the joy of giving, knowing that God blesses a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). We are also reminded that God provides for all our needs, and in turn, we are freed from fear to give generously and with faith.
Stewardship as a Lifestyle of Trust
True stewardship is not a one-time event or an obligation we fulfill out of duty. It is a lifestyle of trust. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul’s instruction to "set aside a sum of money" each week is not just a practical method for giving; it’s an invitation to live with intentionality and trust in God’s provision. The regular practice of stewardship keeps us mindful of God’s role as our provider and sustainer.
When we add prayer to our stewardship, it deepens our trust in God’s goodness. We trust that He will guide us in how to use our resources. We trust that He will take care of our needs. And we trust that our stewardship our careful management of all that He has entrusted to us will bring glory to Him.
Conclusion: Stewardship and Prayer Go Hand in Hand
As we seek to live out the principle of stewardship in our daily lives, prayer must remain at the center of our efforts. Stewardship without prayer can become a checklist of tasks and responsibilities. However, stewardship with prayer becomes a profound act of worship and trust. By bringing our decisions and resources to God in prayer, we acknowledge His sovereignty, seek His guidance, and foster a spirit of generosity.
Let us then approach our stewardship of time, talents, and finances with a heart of prayer, continually seeking God's will and trusting Him to guide our every decision. In doing so, we will not only honor God but also find joy in serving Him with all that we have.