Financial decisions are some of the most difficult choices we have to make in life. Deciding what to do with our money, how to budget, whether to take out loans or not, and how to plan for the future often leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. During these times, bringing our questions and worries to God in prayer can provide wisdom, discernment, and peace.
Why Pray About Financial Decisions?
Prayer is powerful because it invites God into the decision making process. God cares about every part of our lives, including our finances, and wants what is best for us. Here are some reasons why prayer is important when facing financial questions:
- God sees the full picture – Our perspective is limited but God understands how all the pieces fit together. He may guide us towards decisions we would not initially consider.
- God knows what we actually need – It’s easy to get caught up wanting more than we require. Prayer helps check our heart motives and align with God’s generosity rather than greed.
- God directs us to wise counsel – As we pray, God may place certain people, resources, and advisors in our lives to shape prudent decisions.
- God grants discernment amid confusion – When facing many options or conflicting opinions, prayer grants clarity to weigh choices wisely.
- God provides what is lacking – If we lack financial resources, skills, or wisdom, these can be sought sincerely from God through prayer.
Bringing financial decisions to God in prayer demonstrates our trust in His caring guidance over all aspects of life.
Biblical Examples of Prayer and Finances
Scripture contains many examples of people seeking God’s direction for financial and resource related issues. Observing how biblical figures brought these decisions to God in prayer gives models for our own praying.
Abraham’s Servant – When Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, the servant immediately prayed for God’s clear leading and direction when he arrived (Genesis 24:12-14). God answered the servant’s specific prayer.
Israelites Gathering Manna – Every morning for 40 years, the provision of manna taught the Israelites to rely on God one day at a time (Exodus 16). Daily dependence was essential.
Solomon’s Request for Wisdom – When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom to lead the nation instead of seeking riches or fame (1 Kings 3:5-14). This request pleased God.
Nehemiah’s Prayer for Favor – Cupbearer Nehemiah prayed for four months asking God to grant him favor with the Persian king to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 1:11). God provided all he needed.
These examples illustrate bringing all aspects of life, including finances and resources, to God in hopeful prayer.
Principles for Praying Through Financial Decisions
Prayer helps guide financial decisions when we involve God in every step of the process. Here are some principles that can shape our praying:
Seek God First in Prayer
- Begin by inviting God into the decision making process rather than an afterthought.
- Surrender outcomes to His wisdom over personal preference.
- Ask God to align desires with His generous provision rather than greed.
| Scripture | Principle |
|---|---|
| “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) | Prioritizing God realigns desires |
| “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) | As we delight in God, He shapes desires |
Discern Heart Motives Honestly
- Ask God to reveal mixed motives, fear, greed, impatience, or other areas needing realignment.
- Yield to the Spirit’s conviction to purify motivations.
| Scripture | Principle |
|---|---|
| Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) | Asking God to purify motivations |
| Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. (Lamentations 3:40) | Willingness to have God examine the heart |
Seek Godly Counsel
- Ask trusted believers to provide insight and accountability during significant decisions.
- Seek those exhibiting wisdom, not just success, regarding finances.
| Scripture | Principle |
|---|---|
| The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15) | Wisdom involves accepting counsel |
| Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) | Counsel provides broader insight |
Ask God to Meet Needs
- Present to God specific financial figures, resources required, debts owed.
- Petition God knowing He cares about details and our needs.
| Scripture | Principle |
|---|---|
| Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. (Proverbs 30:7-8) | God cares about specific needs |
| “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) | Ask specifically, then trust provision |
Prayers and Discussion Questions for Financial Decisions
Here are some sample prayers and reflective questions to guide processing with God regarding finances and stewardship.
General Guidance in Financial Stewardship
Lord, teach me to value people over possessions. Guard my heart against greed and create contentment with provision. Help me witness to generosity over monetary gain. Guide me to invest, save, and spend in ways pleasing to You. Instruct me if changes are needed in how I manage finances. Give me discernment to make prudent decisions about money that align with Your purposes. Remind me that all I have comes from You. Focus my heart on treasuring You above all else. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- What attitudes show I sometimes value money over God or people?
- Do I prayerfully consider generous giving and investments first before other spending?
- How could I live more simply so resources align with caring for others?
Purchasing a Home
Father, my desire for a home feels urgent but You are eternally patient. Calm my anxious heart. Show me how to steward resources wisely if this home would serve Your kingdom purposes. Provide discernment amid the many options and direct me to clarity. If other priorities should come first, make them evident. I acknowledge You own it all and I merely manage what You entrust to me. Rule my heart in this decision. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Have I impatiently made this decision without prudent consideration? Am I being greedy or fearful?
- What counsel from others would provide perspective I currently lack?
- How much is truly needed to steward resources well without excess?
Changing Jobs
Lord, being caught between staying or leaving this job brings ambiguity. Thank You for promising wisdom when I ask. Reveal if this new opportunity aligns with serving You. Give me discernment to count the cost if transitioning jobs means less income initially. While finances feel pressing, You remain sovereign over provision. Guide me to the work that best utilizes gifts for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Do the rewards and costs of change involve godly motives I haven’t considered?
- Might remaining glorify God through perseverance just as much as leaving?
- Who could provide insight on this decision that knows my strengths and the careers well?
Scripture Passages for Financial Prayer
Along with personal prayer, praying Scripture speaks God’s truth into decisions. Here are key Bible passages to mediate on when facing financial questions:
On God’s Providence and Care
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1)
On Generosity and Stewardship
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops” (Proverbs 3:9)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
On Contentment and Peace
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25, 33)
Final Thoughts
Navigating financial decisions tests our faith and willingness to truly trust God’s care and provision. By inviting Him into the practical details through prayer, we access divine wisdom beyond human understanding. As we commit each situation to Him, belonging to God supersedes anything money can provide as life’s true treasure. Will you join me in pursuing and resting in Him above all else?