Prayer To Be Generous and Practice "Paying It Forward"

Monday August 31, 2020

Lies

Paying It Forward

Here we are at the last day of August. Although it’s not officially the end of summer until September 21, there’s something about turning the page of the calendar to September that says, “Summer is over. It’s time to get back to work and make the most of the season that is before us.” In many places kids are already back in school. Locally they will return on September 10. We continue to pray that students, teachers, families, and everyone connected to the reopening of schools will stay healthy and safe.

As we look ahead to this new season, I’m reminded of the principle of “paying it forward.” What do we remember about these past days, weeks, months, and the kindness of people we’ve experienced or even seen or read about, that inspires us to go out and bless others?

A person with goodness in their heart will naturally share that goodness with others. God promises that as we give to others, He will pour even more back into our lives.

For if you give,

you will get!

Your gift will return

to you in full and

overflowing measure,

pressed down,

shaken together

to make room for more,

and running over.

Whatever measure

you use to give—

large or small—

will be used to

measure what is

given back to you.

Luke 6:38

Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, living a life of goodness, peace, and joy reflects the Kingdom of God within us. As God pours out His blessings upon us, we need to let those blessings overflow to others. It’s not just in finances or goods either. For example, when we encounter someone who is troubled and in need of compassion and encouragement, we are to comfort them with the same comfort we have received. God promises that as we give to others He will pour even more back into our lives.

Give away your life;

you’ll find life

given back,

but not merely

given back—

given back with bonus

and blessing.

Giving, not getting,

is the way.

Generosity begets

generosity.

Luke 6:38

Heavenly Father, We are so grateful for your amazing generosity towards us. When we think about the forgiveness, the health, the blessings, and so much more that You’ve provided for us every day of our lives up until today, we just want to give thanks and then “pay it forward” in whatever ways we can today.

Don’t forget to

do good and to

share what you have

with others, because

sacrifices like these

are very pleasing

to God.

Hebrews 13:16

Show us the times and ways You mean for us to share with others. We recognize that none of us have great amounts of spare cash in these days of financial challenge in this pandemic, but there are so many ways we can share. Help us to be ready to help and lend a hand whenever and wherever we can. Keep us from being so focused on our own needs and challenges that we miss opportunities to bless others.

And Lord, would you help us even to be generous with those it’s challenging for us to treat that way. Help us to:

Make sure no one

gets left out of

God’s generosity.

Keep a sharp eye out

for weeds of bitter

discontent. A thistle or

two gone to seed

can ruin a whole garden

in no time.

Hebrews 12:14

You are a God of unfailing love and faithfulness and You’ve been there for us when we weren’t all that great towards You. Help us