A Prayer for Generosity Toward Those in Need During Christmas

　　By: Christine F. Perry

　　Bible Reading

　　“Each of you should give what you have decided in yourheartto give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -2 Corinthians 9:7NIV

　　I was holding downthe sub shopaloneone December day.Mind you, this was not the standard of operation. However, we were slow, and I was trying to save money on labor.

　　While cleaning the counters, the door sounded as a manentered.I greeted him, took his order, and told him it would take a little while as we were out of salads and I’d have to prepare one for him. He graciously complied. Then, he said he needed to run a quick errand at another shop in the shopping plaza and he would be back.

　　After he returned and I completed his order, he slid his hand over the counter to hand me something. Iwas confused.We were always toldto encourage customers to give to the foundation instead of taking tips.Imade the suggestion to putthe money there.He said, “No, I want to give this to you. I do this for three people every day around this time of year. Please take it.”

　　I reluctantly took the money and thanked him.

　　Promptly seeing him walk out the door and into the parking lot, I looked down to see what he had given me. Thinking it was a $20 bill, I was shocked to see a $50 bill. Tears came to my eyes. I had extra expenses coming up andbecause of that man’s generosity,some of the pressure was alleviated. Although I know I should never worry because God says He will always provide, I am prone to worry about things like finances.

　　That was over a decade ago, and I still remember this man’s generosity and the kindness in his eyes. I don’t know if this man was a believer or not, but he taught me a lesson. He was a joyful giver.

　　How often do I begrudgingly give, even though Romans 8:32says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

　　Looking at all that God has given us despite what we have done to him humbles us. It makes us want to give generouslybecause he gave everything for us. However, when our priorities are not hispriorities, our mindset will be one ofscarcity and not abundance.

　　Let’s Pray:

　　Dear Gracious Heavenly Father,

　　Thank you that you area God of abundance. Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity toward us. Father, you know our hearts. You know that sometimes we hold back when we should give.I pray that you wouldgive us hearts to obey you so we can be generous this season.Help our giving not to come from a place of making us look good in front of others but that we will give out of an abundance of gratitude for all you have done for us.

　　Lord, in light of eternity, money doesn’t matter. However, we knowhere on earth,we need to be good stewards.I pray that you will take charge of our finances. We know that we can never outgive you. I pray that our hearts willbe obedient towhat you want us to do. I pray that our ears will be attentive to your Word. I pray that our wallets will notbe hinderedby our fear, selfishness, or greed but that we willbe willing tolet you have all because you gave your all for us. Lord, apart from you, we are nothing. But with you, we have all we need.

　　I pray that our eyes will be open to who you want us to be generous with this season. I also pray that we will be generous not only with our finances but also with our words and actions. Thank you for being the best example of generosity. We love you. Help us to be more like you.

　　Amen.