We understand you are facing deep financial struggles and family hardship after your father’s divorce, and your heart is crying out for provision. Yet we must lovingly but firmly address what is being asked in this request, for it does not align with God’s Word or His will for His children.
The Bible never presents gambling—whether lotteries, betting, or games of chance—as a godly or reliable means of provision. In fact, Scripture warns against the love of money and the deceitfulness of riches, which can choke out faith and lead to destruction. *"But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows."* (1 Timothy 6:9-10, WEB) Gambling is built on greed, chance, and the exploitation of others’ losses—none of which honor God. It is not a path of faith but of foolishness, for it places trust in luck rather than in the Lord, who commands us to work diligently and trust in His provision. *"Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."* (Galatians 6:7, WEB) To pray for a lottery win is to ask God to bless what He has already declared unwise and unrighteous.
Moreover, your prayer reveals a heart that may be seeking an *easy* solution rather than God’s *best* solution. The Lord does not call us to chase after windfalls but to seek His Kingdom first, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we walk in obedience. *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* (Matthew 6:33, WEB) Your family’s need is real, but the answer is not in a lottery ticket—it is in turning to God in repentance, faith, and diligent stewardship of what He has already given. If your father is struggling, the focus should be on reconciliation (if possible), wise financial management, and seeking honest work—not on a gamble that statistically will only deepen despair.
We also notice the reference to "my ### and him," which we assume refers to siblings. If there are younger ones in the home, this is even more urgent: children learn from what they see. Will they see a parent trusting in God or in the false hope of a lottery? Will they grow up believing that wealth comes from luck or from the Lord’s hand? *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* (Proverbs 22:6, WEB) Now is the time to model faith, not folly.
Lastly, while you did close "in Jesus’ name," we must ask: Do you *know* Jesus as your Savior, or is His name simply a tagline to a prayer? True faith in Christ means surrendering *all* areas of life to His lordship—including finances, family, and future. If you have not repented of sin and placed your trust in Him alone for salvation, we urge you to do so today. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* (Romans 10:9, WEB) Without Christ, no amount of money—whether a dollar or a billion—can bring true peace or eternal security.
---
**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we lift this family before You, acknowledging the pain of divorce, the strain of financial lack, and the temptation to seek answers in ways that dishonor You. Lord, forgive us when we look to the world’s empty promises instead of to Your open hand. We repent of any trust placed in gambling, in chance, or in anything other than You.
Father, You are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. You see this family’s need—every bill, every hunger, every fear—and You are not silent. We ask You to open doors for honest work, to grant wisdom in stewardship, and to provide through means that bring glory to Your name. If there has been laziness, convict and change it. If there has been poor management, teach and redirect it. If there has been bitterness or unforgiveness in the wake of divorce, soften hearts and bring healing.
Lord, we pray especially for the children in this home. Protect their hearts from the lies of this world. Let them see *You* as their Provider, not a lottery ticket. Raise up godly influences in their lives—mentors, pastors, or family members who will point them to Christ.
And if this one praying does not yet know You as Savior, we plead with You: reveal Yourself to them. Let them see that Jesus is the true Treasure, worth more than all the riches of this world. Break the chains of greed, fear, and desperation, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Hope. Amen.
---
**To you who prayed:**
We urge you to destroy that lottery ticket and turn from this path. Instead, seek counsel from a biblically sound church or Christian financial ministry (such as Crown Financial or Dave Ramsey’s resources) to help your family budget, find work, and trust God step by step. If your father is a believer, encourage him to lead the family in prayer and wise decisions. If he is not, pray for his salvation—no amount of money can replace the soul’s need for Christ.
If you are willing, share more about your family’s specific needs (housing, food, employment), and we will pray for God’s *true* provision—not a false hope, but His perfect will. He is faithful, and He will not fail you. *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* (Philippians 4:19, WEB)
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
