Personal Prayer Guide

Understanding God's Leading in Your Giving

The Bible is clear on the importance of giving. Scripture contains more verses on giving than in any other area of obedience.  The Scriptures instruct us to offer a tithe of our “first fruits” to the church. They also encourage us to give offerings to the work of the Kingdom. Today, we have numerous choices of Christian agencies. Considering which organizations to support can appear complex. The Southern Baptist Foundation offers you a full-service team with years of experience that understands every aspect of charitable giving.  Nothing gives us greater joy than helping individuals and families discern the purposes and goals God has laid on their hearts, then developing a plan to fulfill those goals.

Wisdom and Discernment

In making decisions of financial stewardship, we should ask the Lord for wisdom—the ability to use our mental capacity to clearly evaluate choices. As believers, we can also ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment or the ability to perceive and understand God’s purposes that may not be obvious.

Father God, thank you for entrusting me with the things You have.

Please give my mind wisdom to make good decisions.

Holy Spirit, please reveal to me the purposes of the Father and the role(s) He would have me assume.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Wisdom Questions:

1. Is the ministry organization financially accountable?
2. What is their cost of administration, and what portion of their gifts touch people in the ways I care about?
3. Are they a member of an accountability group, such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability to ensure efficiency and stewardship?
4. What is their focus area of ministry?
5. Do they have a clear mission and target group they are trying to serve?
6. Is this ministry aware of changes around the world, and are they keeping pace in adjusting their methods of ministry to remain effective?

Discernment Questions:

1. In what areas of ministry have I experienced the greatest amount of personal joy and satisfaction?
2. What can I learn about my personal “spiritual wiring” and motivations from this?
3. How do my ministry interests compare with the passions God has created in my spouse, or my family?
4. Within my estate plan, how much should I leave to my children in order to encourage God’s work in their lives?
5. How much should I leave to my church?
6. How much should I leave to ministries and causes outside my church?

Father God, I desire to see You glorified.

Please give me discernment of the work You are doing in my family, in my church and in other ministries.

Holy Spirit, please give me understanding as well as direction so that I may be obedient.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Seeking Godly Counsel

The Southern Baptist Foundation exists to help people grow in personal stewardship, and to provide counsel and resources to achieve the maximum benefit, efficiency and impact. Our role is not to convince you who to give to and which organizations to support; our role is to help you achieve God’s best in the purposes He has laid on your heart.

Pray about taking the first step today.

Father God, our prayer for those who read this guide is that you give them trustworthy counsel.

We pray that you bring alongside them advisors who can think spiritually, and who possess professional expertise to make the most of the resources You have given them.

In Jesus Name, Amen.