Jun 29 - Day 180. Prayer and Tithes.

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. As mentioned earlier, our prayers throughout the year will be taken from the 66 books of the Bible. We began in the book of Genesis and will conclude in the book of Revelation. 

Today, we are diving into the book of Malachi. Our scripture will be taken from Malachi 3:10, and it reads “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” 

The Lord is emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in giving, highlighting the promise of divine generosity in return. He is encouraging us to pay our tithes and be obedient in our giving. He wants us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse of our churches, so that there may be provisions in our dwelling place. He wants us to test him and see if he will not open up the windows of heaven and pour out abundant blessings that we will not have space sufficient to receive them.

As we pray, let us ask the Lord for directions to follow his will in giving. For the "storehouse" symbolizes a place where community needs can be met, and the act of tithing becomes a means of inviting extraordinary blessings into one’s life. 

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with humble and grateful hearts, lifting our voices in thanksgiving and reverence to your magnificent and holy name. 

Lord, we are expressing our deepest gratitude for the countless blessings you are graciously bestowing upon us. You invite us to bring all the tithes into your storehouse, so there will be abundant provision in your house. You want us to prove you now and see if you will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing so great that we will not have room enough to receive it.

Father, we recognize that everything we possess, our health, our families, our gifts and talents, and even the resources we manage, comes from your generous hand. We are reminded that we are not owners but stewards of your abundance. With grateful hearts, we choose to return to you what rightfully belongs to you, not out of obligation or fear, but with cheerful trust, knowing that you are unwaveringly faithful to fulfill every promise you have made.

Lord, at times, we struggle with trust. Our hearts can wrestle with doubt, lack of fear, and we may feel the weight of temptation clinging to us tightly to what you have asked us to surrender. But today, we boldly choose to let go and to be receptive. We firmly believe that when we put you first in our lives, above our needs, beyond our worries, and ahead of our plans, you will provide for us in ways far beyond what we can envision.

Father, empower us to honor you with our tithes, our offerings, and our very lives. You promise to open the floodgates of heaven above us. Pour out blessings of finance where money is limited. Pour out blessings of peace where anxiety has taken root. Pour out blessings of healing where illness has lingered. Pour out blessings of unity where division has sought to separate us. Pour out blessings of provision where there has been a lack. And shower us with blessings of wisdom when we are seeking guidance.

Lord, we are not only asking for material blessings, though we know our needs are known to you. We are seeking spiritual blessings that will transform our lives. Please give us hearts that overflow with generosity. Teach us to take delight in giving, not merely for the reward we might receive, but out of a deep yearning to see your kingdom come, and your will be manifested on earth just as it is in heaven.

Father, let this promise serve as our source of strength, our beacon of hope, and our pathway to freedom. Remind us that you are Jehovah Jireh, our ever-reliable provider, and that your resources are limitless. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and we are reassured that nothing is beyond your capability.

Lord, may the blessings you pour into our lives not cease with us. help us to become instruments of your boundless abundance. Let our homes be places of generosity. May our churches stand tall as lighthouses of hope. Let our hands and feet be carriers of your love, bringing light into communities that are hungry, hurting, and in desperate need of your touch.

Gracious God, thank you for reminding us that you are both a promise-maker and a promise-keeper. You stand in defense of us, rebuking the devourer for our sake, because you long to protect what rightfully belongs to us. Safeguard the work of our hands. Guard the fruits of our labor. Protect our families and everyone and everything you have entrusted to our care.

Lord, we are also praying for those who may feel that their offering is small. Remind us that you are not concerned with the size of our gifts, but rather with the condition of our hearts as givers. Just as you multiplied the five loaves and two fish to feed the multitudes, we trust that you can multiply whatever seems insignificant when it is placed into your loving hands.

Father, we are also praying for contentment. As you bless us abundantly, may we not fall victim to greed or be tempted away by material possessions. Help us to remember that the greatest blessing we can experience is the fellowship we have with you. Let our gratitude soar higher than our requests. May our faith grow deeper than our fears. And may our love for you and for others flow abundantly from the blessings we have received.

Lord, as we conclude this prayer. Thank you for the windows of heaven that you have opened. Thank you for the immeasurable blessings in our lives. Thank you for the peace that transcends understanding. Thank you for the daily bread that sustains us, and for the eternal hope that secures our souls in times of turmoil.

Lord, we give you all the glory, honor, and praise. With hearts fully surrendered, we humbly say: pour into us, and pour through us, until your name is lifted high in every place and generation.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray... Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.