The Prosperity Prayer

In my web travels, I came across the prayer below. I began to think.... how often it is that I want to control my finances by myself (with hubby). I try to give all of my thoughts, actions and deeds over to the Lord for His will (not mine) to be done. BUT in finances I somehow have been under the false belief that I could leave God out of the money issues -budget, savings etc It makes so much sense... ASK GOD!

Several years ago, my mother bought me a book about the prayer of Jabez. She touted that this book will work wonders in your life. I immediately was turned off. How could a book focusing on one passage be the answer to all things?? After reading the Prosperity Prayer, I realize it is not about receiving money or profits of any kind, it is about seeking God's infinite wisdom and will in our lives.

1 Chronicles 4:10(TNIV)

10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
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The Prosperity Prayer
by Lynn Robinson

God,

I surrender my financial affairs and concerns about money to your Divine care and love.

I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties and fears about money, and replace them with faith.

I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will flow into my life.

I have only to look to nature to see proof of the abundance you provide.

I release all negative thoughts about money, and know that prosperity is my true state.

I commit to being grateful for all that I now have in my life.

I learn to manage my finances wisely, seeking help where needed.

And finally, I ask you to help me understand my purpose in life and to act on that purpose with courage and strength. I know that prosperity will come, in part, by doing work I love. Please help me use my skills and knowledge to be of service in the world.

Thank you, God.

I pray this in Jesus Name
Amen

Taking a look at choices

Having spent many hours in contemplation, I have come to realize that life is about choices.

Whenever I begin to speak about choices I often hear, "I did not choose for my loved one to die, etc." To this I say, yes that was not your choice but please understand; There are many obstacles thrown in our way but we also create many of our own by the choices that we make.

Taking responsibility for how your life "turned out" is often difficult. It's hard to look at the raw truth but it is something that must be done. If we can take an honest look at ourselves we can find a patchwork of choices made. The good, the bad - it is all interwoven in our minds.

"....I wish xyz would have happened... or if only I had done abc I would not be in the (spiritual, financial, medical, emotional, physical...) position that I am in today... if I...." STOP

We cannot change the past but we can learn from it. Let's start taking deliberate steps to empower ourselves to make the most appropriate and fruitful choices for ourselves and our families. Let's peel the scab off and really look.

How to you stay on the frugality wagon?

How to you stay on the frugality wagon? This is a question someone asked in a frugal group that I belong to; what would your response be?

My response:

The root of my frugality runs deep LOL! My parents have always been frugal -too tight at times BUT I learned early on waste management, reusing, re-purposing, thrifty shopping, saving etc. Money and time are big motivators for me. The more money I don't have to spend the more time I can spend enjoying my family. I try to make a game out of it too! I love a challenge. And I get a saving high LOL

I have found that the less I need to consume the more I can have of what I want. I want to spend time with and travel with my family, learning about life and

cultures across the globe. I want to enjoy unprocessed natural foods preferably grown from my own hands. If I am frugal with spending and efficient in earning
in both traditional and alternative methods, I can enjoy any lifestyle that I choose. I stay motivated by constantly reaping my rewards.

Priorities

Are you concerned about the economic and agricultural state of the US? So am I. Some say Americans are headed for severe economic hardship. Others

are focusing on the prospect of famine. Most, if not all, I have talked to recommend the stockpiling of food, water, medical supplies, hygiene items, weapons,

non-electric dependent appliances and heating and cooking devices.

All of which I think is a great idea. I believe it would be neglectful of me as a wife and mother not to prepare my household at all times. There is always

crisis at the ready -global, national, regional, local and personal.

How you plan, prepare and prioritize is key. I have been dedicating a lot of time in prayerful meditation contemplating and seeking the Wisdom and Guidance

of God to change my will and desires away from consumeristic ideals.

I challenge you to delve into your heart. What is a need? What is a want?