For Growth in Giving
Generous Lord,
You are a Giver. You not only promise to provide all that we need, but are delighted to give it. We, on the other hand, are more naturally takers and receivers. The fall into sin revealed this very attitude, when Adam & Eve were more concerned with taking what they shouldn’t have. Ever since then, we have looked out for ourselves first, and give only after we’re sure we have enough (if we give at all!).
In repentance, rid us of this selfishness and greed. Just as you did not come to be served, but to serve, bend our hearts and will in the same direction – outward before inward. Free us from any enslavement to money or possessions, as well as the fear of not having enough, and cause us to imitate you as generous givers. Grow us into joyful first-fruit givers, worshiping you with our first and best instead of what’s left.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.