Prayer Tip--Enough: Simplicity, Generosity and Joy
Daily Scripture
Proverbs 11:24-25 (CEB) and 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NRSV)
Those who give generously receive more, but those who are stingy with what is appropriate will grow needy. Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” What powerful words! Can you feel the simplicity and freedom behind them? From King Solomon to Jesus to the Apostle Paul, Scripture’s continuous witness is that generosity blesses the giver—as much, if not more, than the receiver.
But this is a reality that can only be experienced by doing it. You can’t pretend your way into generosity. You can’t simply “think good thoughts” into a generous life. Like so many things Jesus calls us to do, generosity involves risk. What if I’m generous and end up needing what I gave away? What if I give to someone and they misuse my gift? What if someone takes advantage of my kindness? These are all real concerns in the generous life.
Yet the reward of being generous is an incredible gift from God in and of itself. As Christians, we are invited to set our hopes on “God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,” rather than anchoring our hopes in the uncertainty of wealth. Do we truly believe that God will provide what we need?
This is not a call to be foolish with our resources. It is the love of money—not money itself—that is the root of all evil. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, famously said about money that we should “Gain all we can, save all we can, and give all we can.” What might that look like in our lives today?
I encourage you to pray this prayer:
Prayer
Generous God,
You are the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Teach me to trust You with all that I have and all that I am.
Open my hands and my heart so that, in giving, I may receive Your refreshment and joy.
Remind me that You see my needs even before I ask.
You will provide in ways I cannot yet imagine.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
GPS Insights
David Andersen
This week's prayer tip is by David Andersen, who serves as the Leadership Development and Mentoring Ministry Program Director for all Resurrection locations. He is a life-long Kansas City native. He’s been married over 30 years and has two adult sons. He loves composing music, learning new things, writing, running, and creating spaces where people can encounter God.
