We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, grieving over the pervasive grip of the love of money in our world today. The Scriptures warn us clearly about this danger: *"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 6:10 WEB). This is not just a warning for unbelievers—it is a snare that can entangle even the people of God if we are not vigilant.
The love of money manifests in so many ways—greed, exploitation, dishonesty, and the prioritization of wealth over God’s commands. It corrupts hearts, divides families, and distorts the purpose of work and provision. Jesus Himself warned, *"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon"* (Matthew 6:24 WEB). Yet how often do we see people—even within the church—chasing after wealth as if it could satisfy the soul? How often do we ourselves struggle with the temptation to trust in money rather than in the Provider of all things?
We must examine our own hearts first. Are we storing up treasures on earth, or are we laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)? Are we content with what we have, or are we constantly chasing after more? The apostle Paul wrote, *"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that"* (1 Timothy 6:6-8 WEB). Contentment is a safeguard against the love of money, yet it is a rare virtue in a culture that tells us we always need more.
We rebuke the spirit of greed and materialism that has infiltrated the church and the world. We declare that God alone is our Provider, and we trust in Him to meet our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). We reject the lie that money brings security, happiness, or fulfillment. True fulfillment is found only in Christ, who said, *"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty"* (John 6:35 WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with repentant hearts, acknowledging that the love of money has taken root in our world—and sometimes even in our own lives. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have valued wealth over You, for the times we have trusted in money rather than in Your provision. Cleanse our hearts from greed, materialism, and discontentment. Teach us to be content in all circumstances, knowing that You are our Shepherd and will supply all our needs.
We pray for those who are ensnared by the love of money, whether they are believers or not. Break the chains of greed, Lord, and open their eyes to the emptiness of chasing after wealth. Let them see that true riches are found in You alone. We ask that You would raise up voices in the church to speak boldly against the idolatry of money and to model lives of generosity, contentment, and trust in You.
Father, we declare that You are the Owner of all things, and we are merely stewards of what You have entrusted to us. Help us to use our resources wisely, to give generously, and to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness (Matthew 6:33). May our lives reflect Your heart for the poor, the needy, and the lost.
We also pray for our leaders, both in the church and in the world. Give them wisdom to govern with justice and integrity, free from the corruption that the love of money brings. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Above all, Lord, we ask that You would draw all people to Yourself. For those who do not know You, reveal to them the futility of trusting in riches and the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord (Philippians 3:8). May they turn from their idols and serve the living God.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who became poor so that we might become rich in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9). Amen.
To those reading this, we encourage you to take time to examine your heart. Where has the love of money taken hold? Are you seeking first God’s kingdom, or are you chasing after the things of this world? Remember, *"What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"* (Mark 8:36 WEB). Turn to Christ, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. Seek Him, and you will find true treasure.