Wednesday - The Letter of James (James 1:9-11)
Welcome to Daily Prayer. Today we look at James 1:9–11 and the trials of financial difficulty and wealth. What we have or don't have can easily shape the way we see ourselves and others, and James gives us wisdom on how to view our current state in life.
As we begin, let's take a few deep breaths and quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.
Father, we draw near to you today.
You are our treasure.
You are our provider.
Lord, our identity comes from you.
Lord, give us wisdom about our possessions and our circumstances.
When we have little, help us remember that we're rich in Christ.
When we have a lot, help us to be humble and remember that everything that we have comes from you.
Lord, we humble ourselves before you.
Inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.
A Scripture Reading from James 1:9–11:
"9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business."
A Prayer of Adoration:
Father, thank you for bringing us into your family and providing us with everything that we need. We praise you for your grace. Thank you for the rich inheritance you have promised to all who trust in you.
A Prayer of Confession and Trust:
Lord, forgive us for putting our trust in our work, our businesses, and investments, and bank accounts. Lord, forgive us for embracing the values of this world. Forgive us when we compare ourselves to others, for allowing shame to rob us of our dignity when we don't have as much, or feeling proud and superior when we have more.
Lord, forgive us for allowing our hearts to be proud of accumulating wealth when you warn against storing up treasures. Oh God, give us your perspective. Forgive us for the ways that we've allowed money and possessions to shape our identity. We repent and turn to you.
Abba, we trust you as our provider. Teach us to be content with little. Teach us to be generous when we have abundance.
A Prayer of Intercession:
Lord, help us treat one another with dignity. We pray for those who are struggling financially today. Lord, provide for families who don't know how they'll make ends meet. Daily bread today, Lord. Open up opportunities for families who need jobs. Show us how to serve one another in love.
Lord, I pray specifically for our Faith & Finance and our Financial Peace small groups. Lord, thank you for these leaders. I pray that you'd give insight and a spirit of revelation for all those attending on how to deal wisely with finances.
Oh Lord, protect us from comparison, from envy, from pride. Give us generous hearts. Help us to use what you've entrusted to us for your kingdom purposes, for the good of others.
Oh and Lord, we pray for vision and perspective about the things that matter. Help us recognize that this life is transient, but eternity is forever.
A Moment of Reflection:
Lord, as we consider the trials of having little or having a lot, would you show me if there's anything else I'm looking to for security or significance besides you?
As we listen to the passage again, let's listen for what the Lord may be highlighting for us today:
"9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business."
Lord, we lay aside every other hope and we look to you for life.
Our Weekly Passage to Memorize and Consider:
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
A Closing Prayer:
Lord, you are enough. Teach us to see everything in life, teach us to see our possessions, through your eyes. Give us the grace to live freely with generosity and contentment. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Scripture reading by KiMyra Crawford. Scripture memory verse by Amelie Joy Adcock