Prayer often serves as a moment to seek strength, guidance, and blessings, but what if it were also a report of our contributions to God’s plan?
When we approach prayer as a conversation where we share the fruits of our labor—how we’ve used the gifts God has given us—it transforms the act into a celebration of stewardship and accountability.
Praying and waiting for a “mystery god” to fix problems that we have the power to address is like asking for rain but refusing to plant seeds. God provides us with the tools, talents, and opportunities, but it’s up to us to act. Faith is a partnership with God—we pray for wisdom, and then we move with purpose.
“Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17) reminds us that prayer alone is not enough; it must be paired with tangible action. God has equipped us with intellect, compassion, and resources. The question then becomes: how are we using these tools?
Giving God Good News. Imagine telling God:
“We’ve built programs for the youth to ensure they have safe spaces to grow and thrive.”
“We’ve created solutions to homelessness, providing dignity and stability to those in need.”
“We’ve dismantled systems that degrade and harm, replacing them with opportunities that uplift.”
These acts are a form of prayer in themselves—prayer in action, a living testament to faith.
The Danger of “Just Pray on It”
Passive Attitude: Using prayer as a way to avoid responsibility can lead to stagnation.
Missed Opportunities: While waiting for a miracle, we might overlook practical solutions within our grasp.
Misunderstanding Faith: True faith requires trust in God and trust in the abilities He’s given us.
Becoming Stewards of Good Deeds
We need a call to action to reminds us of our duty to be stewards of God’s creation. Instead of asking, “Where is God?” we might ask ourselves:
“Where are we in doing God’s work?” The kingdom of God is not a distant promise; it is something we can strive to manifest here and now through love, justice, and proactive engagement.
Steps to Stewardship:
Assess the Needs: Look around and identify the problems that burden your community.
Collaborate: Build networks of like-minded individuals who share a vision for positive change.
Act with Intention: Create solutions that align with values of compassion and equity.
Celebrate Progress: Share the “good news” with others, inspiring further action.
To turn our prayers into actions, to give God good news, and to hold ourselves accountable for the change we wish to see. Through this, we embody the faith we profess, bringing us closer to God and one another.
Faith in Action. Scripture supports this principle:
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14)—but remember, this was said to people on their way out of Egypt, moving toward their freedom.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
God’s blessings often flow through our effort. Spiritual laziness not only delays solutions but also dishonors the potential God placed in us. It’s not enough to “just pray on it”—we must act on it, with prayer guiding our every step.
As the saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” In spiritual terms, this means being the vessel through which God’s will is done.
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