Prayer Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Jackie M. Johnson

More Powerful Prayers for Money and Finances

Money is always a hot topic—especially when there never seems to be enough.

But here’s hope, with more powerful prayers for your finances.

I recently wrote a related post on Powerful Prayers: Money and Finances.

Why pray for your finances?

You can take comfort in knowing our all-powerful and loving God is always there to listen. You can pour out your heart to Him. Your words don’t have to be perfect, just honest and from the heart.

Prayer changes things. And prayer is powerful because God is powerful. He can do anything! Even make a positive difference in your finances.

When we are humble and surrendered, when we ask and trust…things begin to change.

Here are eight short prayers for money and finances to help you get started.

HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

Trust me in your times of trouble,
and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
Psalm 50:15 (NLT)

Lord, my finances are a mess. You know the situation; you know how hard it has been for me. So here I am trusting You to make a way where there seems to be no way out. I surrender my agenda, my budget, and how I think things should happen. I let go and give You my financial burden. I ask for healing and favor to not just “get by,” but to find victory in my finances—to have more than enough and to get ahead! In hard times or good times, I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GIVING FROM THE HEART

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

Lord, thank You for your provision, and for all that You’ve given me. I am truly blessed. I ask for wisdom for how much to give and to which ministries or individuals who have needs. You know my heart, and I pray that I will be a cheerful giver, openhanded and joyful for all You have done for me. I ask that You would continue to supply my needs so I can keep helping others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GOD WILL PROVIDE FOR ME

Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Lord, what a blessing it is to know that You provide for all of my needs. Even when my savings account seems to be washing away like a summer storm, it helps to know that You are in control. Whether it’s cash, or an item or help that I need around the house, everything You give is a generous gift. Thank you for all You do! My circumstances may change, but You, Lord, never change. Steady and certain, You are totally reliable. Thank you. I praise You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GENEROUS GIVING

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously.

2 Corinthians 9:6

Lord, I want to be a generous giver. Would you please help me to give generously in my tithe and gifts to others so the resources You provide will get to the hands of those in need? Like missionaries, those in poverty, friends and family members who need help, and others who receive help through the charities and organizations to which I give. Help me to sow finances and reap generously, but more so to sow seeds of great love so I can also reap generously love back. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

GET OUT OF DEBT

The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7

Lord, I need help getting out of debt. The bills are piling up. I feel like I am in quicksand and I keep sinking deeper. Sometimes I feel so embarrassed, like I should be able to provide for myself. I am realizing that being in debt is like being in bondage to the person or company to whom you owe money. I want to be free! I know that nothing is too hard for You; You are God Almighty. So I ask for wisdom and self control, to get out of debt and to get ahead. I am trusting You and totally relying on You. Please help me. I ask in Jesus’ mighty and powerful name. Amen.

HELP US TO STOP ARGUING ABOUT MONEY

Let us therefore make every effort
to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 14:19

Lord, I am tired of arguing with my spouse over money. We are so different! Somehow savers and spenders connect, and disagree on how our finances should work. Will you please help us to communicate clearly and adjust our expectations? Give us each respect for the other person despite our differences. We are a team, a partnership, and I want to get back to that—and learn to trust each other again. Please give us a better attitude about money and the willingness to compromise and be flexible. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

LORD, BLESS MY FINANCES

Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9-10

Lord, I ask and pray in the name of Jesus that You would bless my finances. Would you show me how to honor You in this area? Teach me to manage my resources rightly so I save, spend, and give wisely. You own it all; show me how to steward what is Yours for good purposes. I choose to believe that Your promises are true for me, not just everyone else, and that You will provide for me. Thank you for Your provision and wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THANK YOU, LORD!

Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.
Psalm 50:15 (NLT)

Lord, I am so grateful that You are totally trustworthy. When my life is a mess, when my finances are out of balance or the stock market is plunging like a roller coaster, You are always with me. When I am in a jam, you save me and help me through. Even in my greatest desperation You come through, and I give You all the glory. Thank you. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen

For more hope and encouragement from Jackie, see Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough.

By Jackie M. Johnson

Powerful Prayers: Money and Finances

Are you—or someone you know—struggling financially?

It’s pretty common these days, considering our recent runaway inflation. Everything from gas to groceries to housing costs more, and most salaries are not keeping up.

You may feel like you’re in a financial desert—a dry and barren place. Living with lack is stressful.

And, unless, you have a firm grasp about what God’s Word (the Bible) has to say about money and finances, you will have less peace and joy.

If you’re in a financial desert right now, perhaps it’s time to explore what God has to say about money—and choose to trust God like never before.

What does the Bible say about money?

God owns everything (Psalm 24:1), including what we feel is “our” money. He gave us the job we have and the ability to earn an income.

God gives us the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Yet even though God owns everything, he calls us to be wise stewards or managers with our personal finances.

Money can be an emotionally-charged subject. And we all need wisdom on how to save, spend and give wisely. That’s why powerful prayer is essential.

Praying about how to handle finances is important no matter what your financial status.

When you pray something incredible happens.

Things change. Our hearts change. Our perspective changes. And so much more.

If you are feeling defeated in your finances, turn to God. Ask Him to help you release anything that is holding you back or gripping your heart in this area.

God loves to surprise and delight his children. Here’s an example.

When I was in the desert of financial hard times some years ago, I was amazed at how God provided. Like the joy of getting an unexpected check in the mail from a generous friend. Or a bag of groceries when I needed it most.

Have courage. Have faith. When all seems hopeless, Jesus Christ is your wild hope—and He will provide.

Trust. Believe. And watch what God does next.

And my God will supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

POWERFUL PRAYER FOR FINANCES

Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Psalm 86:1

Lord, I need help. I feel like I’m always just barely scraping by, and I am tired. I need help with my finance. I need hope. I ask, humbly and boldly, that You would meet my needs with Your amazing resources. I come to you believing, by faith, that You will come through—in Your way and in Your timing. I am grateful that you hear me and will answer me. I ask in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

By Jackie M. Johnson

When Life is Hard–Pray On!

Pray On

By Jackie M. Johnson

When the bills are due, when the pain lingers on,
or the adoption agency is taking too long.

When you’re trying to balance family and work,
or your boss is annoying or simply berserk.

When a prodigal child simply will not come home,
or the debt collectors won’t leave you alone.

When the car wreck leaves you with metal to mend,
or the man that you loved left you for your best friend.

When you feel overwhelmed—always busy and stressed—
or you can’t seem to focus and your house is a mess.

When you’re lonely, depressed, or stuck in your life,
and you wonder if you’re a good person or wife.

When there’s trauma or pain, or just day-to-day living,
or you find that you always do most of the giving.

When you’re pondering daily the life you’ve been dealt,
with finances, job, relationships, health.

When you’re searching for wisdom, or purpose, or faith
some heart healing, joy, simplicity, space.

When there’s less in your wallet and more on your thighs,
and your mind reels with questions, like “What? How? or Why?”

When you don’t understand and you can’t see the way,
You need four simple words: “Lord, teach me to pray.”

Don’t give up, don’t give in, even though strength seems gone,
Just hold on to hope and pray on, friend.

Pray on.

***

By Jackie M. Johnson

IT’S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN AMERICA 2023!

Today is the annual National Day of Prayer in America!

What a blessing that every year millions of people across our nation on the first Thursday in May to join together in prayer for the land—and the people—we love.

Whether they gather at one of the hundreds of prayer events around the country, or watch the livestream (on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern on the NDP website and on many Christian radio and TV stations), or pray in small groups or alone, it is a time to call upon our great God to help and heal our nation.

The National Day of Prayer website provides a wealth of information about the event.

Here are some suggestions they provide for why we pray for America—with added practical lists on what to pray for specifically.

WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware.

Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God”… and we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country.

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
—Amos 4:13 NIV

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA
PRAY FOR SEVEN (7) CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION

1. GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)

Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Provide leaders with wise and godly counselors who will provide honest wisdom and encouragement
• Well up humility in the hearts of leaders to make apologies or adjustments when these things are necessary
• Lord, pour out a spirit of cooperation between elected leaders
• Break down the barriers that are built up by selfish ambition for personal power

2. MILITARY
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Pray for the leaders to make wise and righteous decisions based on biblical principles rather than personal career gains
• Lord, help all military personnel see You working in their daily lives, that You are with them, whether they are in the field, at home, or abroad
• Remove stigmas for seeking medical attention for mental and physical needs
• God, hold the families of service members close, and may they look to You for the strength and peace that only You can give
• Comfort the spouses who are separated due to military jobs—keep these marriages strong

3. MEDIA

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Lord, encourage the believers who are called to use their creative gifts to glorify You and cultivate a culture of concern for one another
• Teach us to use the news as prayer prompts and ideas for how to serve our local community
• Pour out wisdom for people who bring funding to entertainment media to fund things that are wholesome and speak the truth of God
• Send creativity for artists to create thought-provoking works of art and entertainment that point towards Your redemptive plan for humanity
• Strengthen the Christians in these spheres to boldly stand for Biblical truth in the writer’s rooms, board meetings and creative processes

4. BUSINESS
For areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15).

For Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers.

Suggestions for WHAT to pray

• May each business leader be of great character: of integrity, humbleness of spirit and heart, honest in speech and actions, empathetic and vulnerable.
• Lord, raise up a workforce that is filled with a spirit of excellence and unity in all they do

5. EDUCATION
For a safe atmosphere conductive to learning

Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• To stir the hearts of parents to take an active role in the academic, spiritual, and emotional formation of their children
• Guide school boards to be wise in choosing curriculums that uphold the truth of the Word
• Set young people free from the hopelessness, despair, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and substance abuse
• Bless teachers with an outpouring of grace and endurance of such magnitude it overflows onto their students, their schools, and their communities

6. CHURCH

For the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)

Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• God, use Your Church as a beacon of light and joy to a world that is searching for answers
• Jesus, give your pastors keen wisdom and insight that is in tune with your Spirit so they would never lose sight of the mission of Your Church
• Lord, open hearts in the church to care for people outside the church, to be praying for them and to become visibly and tangibly concerned and helping them in needs and struggles
• Remind us to eagerly look for ways to use our time, talents, and treasures to build up the Body of Christ

7. FAMILY
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Wisdom in choosing a spouse; to be equally yoked together in faith
• Grant us humility, and with that humility bring stability and peace to families
• Give husbands and wives the grace to consider each other before self
• Endurance for single parents or grandparents stepping in as parents
• Comfort for families moving forward through grief
• Strengthen families who also serve as caretakers for medically fragile family members
• Give empty-nest parents comfort in transition and the vision to grasp their new role as full-time intercessors for adult kids
• Harmony in blended families
• Create a means of escape and healing from harmful family dynamics

Finally, from the National Day of Prayer website, here is the 2023 Prayer for America:

2023 National Prayer For America

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord.
You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life.

The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God
who was, and is, and is to come.

You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove
our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that
we might dwell with You forever and ever.

With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our
sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness,
prayerlessness, and disobedience.

Forgive us for our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words
that reveal our unclean hearts.

Cleanse us and renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we
pray.

With grateful hearts we thank You fervently for
the blessings in our life and throughout
America; they are more than we are able to
count.

We will remember Your grace and testify
to Your goodness in all generations.

Help us to refrain from complaining, but instead be
prompted to pray faithfully in every
circumstance. Teach us to have a content heart
knowing You are always enough for our every
need.

As the Church we commit to pray and love our
neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our
reputation in this world would be rooted in Your
love.

Holy Spirit work and overflow through us
in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May
our character, conversations, and conduct
reflect the righteousness in which You clothed
us and command us to live.

With an obedient heart we put on the full armor
of God; Your breastplate of righteousness
guards our heart from which flows the springs of
life.

We pray fervently for our communities and
country; the people who are in the Church,
Family, Education, Business and Workplace,
Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and
Media.

Every person is Your workmanship,
fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.
With hopeful hearts we pray that all would
choose to receive Your love and follow You.

We pray that America would confess, “Jesus is
Lord” and reflect Your righteousness in every
sphere of influence, and every aspect of our
lives. We ask that heavenly hope would flood
our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal
our land.

Believing You; all You are, all You said, and all
You have promised, we pray fervently in
righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name
we pray, Amen!

–Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Prayer changes things! And it changes us.

Remember, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

We choose to trust God, and pray on!

PRAYER RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Prayers With Purpose for Women

60-Second Refreshment: Power Prayers for Women

Photo credit: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

By Jackie M. Johnson

When You Feel Lonely: Powerful Hope for Living Connected

Loneliness. It’s not a topic most people talk about.

Whether you’ve just ended a relationship and friends are scarce, or you’re so busy at work that you don’t have time for new friendships—there are many reasons we feel isolated or alone.

In fact, we can be lonely because we are physically alone, or we can feel left out or alienated even when we are surrounded by people.

No matter what the reason, it hurts to feel isolated, disconnected or unnoticed.

Loneliness vs. Solitude
But there’s a difference between loneliness and solitude. Sometimes we need the peace and quiet time alone brings; other times we need connection with others.

Solitude can be replenishing after a hard week at work or in our prayer time with God. With the One who loves us most we can pour out our problems to God, ask for help, and thank Him for all He has done for us.

Hosea 2:14 reads, “I will lead you into solitude and there I shall speak to your heart.” In the stillness, in the quiet, we can hear what God is trying to communicate to us. Away from noise and distractions we can absorb truth in new ways.

Loneliness is different.

One definition says that “Loneliness is a painful awareness that we lack close and meaningful contact with others. It involves a feeling of inner emptiness, isolation and intense longing.”

In addition, you may feel feel sad, anxious or inferior because you are unable to connect with people—or connect with a certain person.

The importance of connection
We live in society that exalts self-reliance, and a time when we are more disconnected than ever.

From my living room in Colorado, I can email my family in Minnesota or Facebook with readers in Brazil. Other the other hand, technology may limit a person’s face-to-face-interactions and in-person friendships.

Online, for instance, we may go wide (have a lot of ‘friends’) but not go deep (as in having meaningful relationships with good friends).

We all need to connect with other people.

We can do so by building bridges to other people, and connecting in person, and not living solely a virtual life. Bridges provide a link from one place to another. Friendships connect one isolated person to another, and soon community is built.

Getting connected
We were created to need each other and to serve each other’s needs. Indeed, our longing for love, friendship and heart friends (close friends) is real. It’s vital to our emotional wellbeing.

The truth is, you can build connections in all different areas of life. Consider these areas of community to connect with others:

• Spiritual community with people at church, or in a small group, prayer group, missions team or one-on-one with someone like-minded.
• Social community through a bowling league, mom’s group, singles group, coffee with friends.
• Intellectual community with people from work, joining a book group or other group with shared interests.
• Physical community in joining a sports team, dance class or getting workout partner for the gym.
• Neighborhood or city community can be built be showing up at your local playground, a neighborhood block party, or mentoring a disadvantaged youth.
• Virtual community is a way to connect with others, but make sure it’s not your only connection with other people.

Connecting with God

Of course, the first one to make a connection with is the most important One, with God.

Through prayer and our relationship with God we have the most primary and meaningful connection possible.

Prayer is talking with God, not at Him. It’s a holy conversation of both speaking and listening. Your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart.

Tell God how you feel and what you need. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for those you love. When you don’t know what to say, even the simple prayer of, “Help!” will reach the loving ears of God.

How to overcome loneliness
• Ask God to make His presence real and close to you today. Ask Him to help you have hope things really can change in your life. You can also ask God to give you courage to reach out to another person today or to bring caring relationships—like friends, family, or other new people into your life.
• Pray. Below are some starter prayers to help get you out of feeling lonely and back to feeling hopeful again.
• Ask yourself: What is one thing you can do today to build a bridge, to connect with another person?

Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When you know God, you are never alone.

***

Here are some short prayers on Overcoming Loneliness to get you started…

Turn to me and be gracious to me, 
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16
Lord, You know the pain I am in right now. I feel so empty and alone. I know I’ve been isolated and need contact with other people, but sometimes it’s hard. Will you please help me learn how to build bridges to other people? I need closer friendships. I need close-knit community. I long for it. Help me to overcome and find joy again. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
Lord, what a comfort it is to know that You are always with me, and that You never leave. So many times people disappoint me. I want to trust and make connections with people, but it hasn’t happened yet. With you, there is peace and stability. You are my strength when I am weak, my true consolation when I am sad. Here in Your presence I abide, I dwell. Thank you for always being near. I am never alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God sets the lonely in families…
Psalm 68:6
Lord, I need you. I have felt alone and friendless lately. Will you help me to get connected with my family, or people who may become like family to me? Will you fill this emptiness in me with Your love, so I can be filled up and have something to offer others? I need community. I need friendship. Please show me where I belong. I want to walk this path of life with others who will build me up, not tear me down. And, I want to encourage others, to give and take. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Lord, it makes me glad to know that you are for me! You, the One who is ultimate love and ultimate authority designed me and has favor toward me. Thank you. In my desolate desert times I have felt so alone, so desperate at times. But when I remember the truth that You are with me and for me, it releases the pain and fills my heart with hope and joy. I am grateful. And I praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

More resources by Jackie M. Johnson:

• When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty (How to Get Over a Breakup)
• Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough (Hope and Encouragement for DifficultTimes)
• Hope on the Go (Bite-Sized Encouragement for Busy People)
• Singles Blog

Photo: Jure Širić, Unsplash

By Jackie M. Johnson

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