Praying the Word: When You’re Experiencing Financial Strain

On the surface, prayer seems simple. It’s talking to God. But in practice, we may have a lot of questions. “Am I doing this right? Is there a ‘right’ way to do it? What am I supposed to say? Are there things I shouldn’t pray about?” Or maybe we feel pretty comfortable with praying, but we struggle with getting bored or losing focus. 

Whatever our struggles with prayer, Scripture can be helpful. As Donald Whitney explains, “Praying the Bible isn’t complicated. Read through a few verses of Scripture, pause at the end of each phrase or verse, and pray about what the words suggest to you.” (You can read more from Donald Whitney about how to pray Scripture in this article.)

In the Praying the Word series, we’ll take the idea of praying Scripture and make it practical by sharing a passage of Scripture, an example prayer, and some guided questions to help you make it your own. The example prayer might serve as a model, or you can use it as a prayer for yourself. As you give this a try, don’t worry if it feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say. Remember, the power of prayer doesn’t come from the words we say, but from the One who hears them.

Example Scripture

Psalm 37:1-7, 25-29, 39-40

[1] Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

[2] For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.

[3] Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

[4] Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

[6] He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

[25] I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

[26] He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

[27] Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.

[28] For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

[29] The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

[39] The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

[40] The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Father, I am struggling. The budget is tight, and I feel envious when I look at other families with more financial freedom. I want to provide a memorable and meaningful childhood for my kids, and I want to make decisions without the question of money looming constantly in the back of my mind. Your Word says when I trust and delight in you, you will give me the desires of my heart. I know the desires of my flesh and my heart are not always in line with your desires for me. Many times, my desire is for comfort and ease. I don’t want to depend on you to provide for my family’s needs because I want to do it on my own. 

Lord, you know my frailties. It is foolish for me to envy the wicked or to fret over material things and the treasures of this world (Matt. 6:25-33). I long to show my children how to value the kingdom of God above all else; however, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41)! Help me learn to be content with what you have given me and cultivate a generous heart, even when I am tempted to withhold or hoard. Make my heart more like yours. Align me with your desires and pry my fingers from earthly treasures that will rot and rust.

Father, you know the number of my days, and you also know the number in my bank account. Remind my anxious heart that I am not defined by numbers but rather by your love. You promise to care for me and my family, and you will never forsake me. I know you are my stronghold and help in days of trouble and lack. You promise I will be well cared for even when the numbers don’t make sense. You fed the five thousand with seven loaves of bread and a few fish! I know you will show me how to make wise decisions with our finances and steward what you have generously given. You will make a way where there seems to be no way because you are a generous Father who loves to care for his children. As I rejoice in your provision for me as your daughter, help me show my children the love of their Heavenly Father as I teach them to give thanks for your abundant grace in our lives. 

You are my refuge and strength. You are my portion, not my finances. You have given me your Son and eternal life through him, and I know you will graciously provide for all of our needs and withhold no good thing from me because you love me (Rom. 8:32; Ps. 84:11). Help me see the blessings before me and trust you with everything, holding nothing back from your tender loving hands.

Make It Your Own:

Praise God: What comes to mind when you think about God’s provision? Thank God for the ways he has provided for you and taken care of your needs. 

Confess: What fears and anxieties about finances do you need to confess to God? Where have you doubted that he would come through for you or not believed his promises from his Word?

Share Your Heart: What do you need to tell the Lord about your financial situation? How can you be honest with him about your struggle? What questions do you need to bring to him?

Ask: Where do you need his provision and his care? Do you need help or accountability to learn how to steward your finances? Be honest with the Lord about the places you fall short and the specific things you need, trusting he will honor your honesty and that he has a plan to ensure you are taken care of.