Are you seeking to prosper in this world? Are you trying to use prayer as a means to obtain financial wealth? If so, then you really need to pay close attention to the following prayers to find out what prosperity prayer is really all about.
Prosperity Prayer of Solomon
“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” – 1 Kings 3:5-14 KJV
Prosperity Prayer According to Jabez
“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” – 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 KJV
These prayers are very similar; but how? First of all, they were spoken out of love for the truth and were offered up to God in humility of spirit. Secondly, they were not self-centered but were uttered with a desire to obtain that which is good for all. And finally, they were pleasing to God, and were therefore answered according to His good pleasure.
Indeed, many prayers lack such qualities because they are filled with words that are reflective of an attitude that is only concerned about prospering in worldly affairs. Those who merely pray for personal gain fail to understand that true prosperity is reaped as a result of storing treasure up in heaven, not by hoarding it on earth. And thus they falsely assume that they’re making a connection with God when in reality they’re pushing Him away with their empty words.
Listen, we should not pray with the intent to become great among men or to stand in the spotlight of worldly prowess, but for the purpose of excelling in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Do you want wisdom? Do you want your territory to be enlarged? Do you want to prosper in things that really matter? God will give you all of these things, but only on the condition that you ask Him to fill your heart with His good pleasure. For without His counsel there is no wisdom, and without His presence our territory is worthless. Hence true wealth is not incurred by worldly pursuits, but by seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness in all matters of life.
If you’re seeking to prosper for the wrong reasons then don’t expect God to give you what you want, but if you’re seeking to prosper in Christ then you can be sure to know that you’ll get exactly what you need to fulfill His desires for you. Our prayers should be uttered with the intent to become all that God wants us to be. And since He wants us to be at peace we can be sure to know that He only wants the best for us in life. Therefore don’t look for prosperity that won’t last. Instead, Seek the prosperity that God wants to give you. For godly prosperity will ultimately usher happiness into your life that will never fade or falter in strength.
As soon as we begin to understand that nothing more is needed than that which God has already given to us all through Jesus Christ, we will begin to discover what it means to be content with whatever He has placed before us, being confident that He will supply all our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
