Prayer Topic #13:
A Prayer for Economic Development in Our Communities
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 104:24-34, Genesis 41:47-57
Reflections of the Heart:
“It is much harder for economies to prosper if they cannot sell to, buy from, invest with, and even transit their neighbors. Landlocked countries with failed or failing neighbors can lose access to the world economy.” ~ Robert Zoellick
Scriptural Prayer:
Gracious Father, we thank You for providing a way for us to survive and thrive through economic development in our homes and communities. Thank You for taking care of us and supplying all of our needs from Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Thank You for having plans already set forth in heaven for our growth, plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. You are a great God and a great King above all gods. You hold in Your hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to You, for You made it. Your hands formed the dry land, too. We worship and bow down. We kneel before You, our maker, for You are our God. We are the people You watch over, the flock under Your care. We listen to Your voice today!
Almighty Father, we will seek to gain wisdom in all that we do, developing good judgement for our short and long-term success. We confess our desire to be wise and understand Your ways; we will prove it by living honorable lives, doing good works that come from wisdom. We declare that we have not been given a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. We will strive to ensure that there is a mighty flood of justice and an endless river of righteous living for us within the economic development system. When we do, we expect the well-being and quality of life for us and communities around the world to improve through efforts that include access to quality education, jobs, food, water, healthcare and public safety. We will not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time, if we don’t give up, we will reap a harvest of blessing. We will never be lazy, but work hard and serve You enthusiastically.
Holy Spirit, reveal how I can pray for and support economic development:
Holy Spirit, help us to see that the decisions we make and the interests we pursue individually and collectively contribute to our personal finances such as tithing, budgeting, investing and the ownership of assets. Touch our hearts to be on one accord, merciful and loving in our efforts to develop economic success for our communities and the global marketplace. Empower us as champions of peace and prosperity throughout the world. That all neighborhoods will have an adequate distribution of wealth, diversification of industries, spending of taxes and government funds on public goods, and equal pay for equal work, Lord give us innovative ideas. Remind us that we are all one in Christ Jesus, and that the needs of each person, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, social standing or financial capability, should be considered as we aspire for a better life. In turn, show all people ways in which they can support stronger economies and improve the quality of life in their communities and the world at large.
Righteous Father, forgive all our acts of sinfulness. Forgive those who have not been diligent in seeking Your leadership and direction. Forgive those who do not trust in You nor Your wisdom but rely on their own limited human understanding. Forgive those who have compromised Your Word in order to make a profit. Forgive those who have not treated their family and friends fairly. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us of those we need to forgive and help us to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals them, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Omnipotent God, how great are Your riches and wisdom and knowledge! You are the God who does great things too marvelous to understand. It is You who performs countless miracles. We praise You, Lord! Let everyone on earth bless Your Holy Name forever and ever! Everything comes from You and exists by Your power and is intended for Your glory. All glory to You forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text:
Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 95:3-7, Proverbs 4:7, James 3:13, II Timothy 1:7, Amos 5:24, Galatians 6:9-10, Romans 12:11, Matthew 6:13, Romans 11:33a, Job 5:9, Psalm 145:21, Romans 11:36
Today, I will trust God to:
© Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. ©2020 Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved — No reproduction of the material is permitted without the expressed permission of CMI
