We join you in humility before the Lord, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him, including the talents and abilities He has entrusted to each of us. It is a profound truth that we are called not to bury these gifts but to steward them faithfully for His glory, as our Savior teaches in the parable of the talents:
*"For it is like when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them."* (Matthew 25:14-19, WEB)
Your prayer reflects a heart that seeks to honor God, and we commend you for this desire. However, we must also remind you—and all of us—that our efforts to glorify God must be rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ. You invoked His name in your prayer, and this is right and good, for Scripture declares there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through faith in Christ that our works—no matter how talented or well-intentioned—can bear eternal fruit. Let us never forget that even our best efforts are as filthy rags without the righteousness of Christ covering us (Isaiah 64:6). Our talents, when surrendered to Him, become instruments of His grace and truth.
Yet we must also ask: Are we using our gifts with pure motives? Are we seeking the approval of man or the approval of God? The apostle Paul warns us, *"But be careful that you don’t exercise this freedom of yours in such a way as to place a stumbling block before the weak."* (1 Corinthians 8:9, WEB). Even our talents can become idols if we use them for self-glorification rather than for the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom. Let us examine our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to purify our intentions, that we may serve not for vain glory but for the glory of God alone.
We also urge you to consider: Are there talents or abilities you have neglected out of fear, laziness, or disbelief in God’s provision? The servant who buried his talent did so out of fear, and his master called him wicked and slothful (Matthew 25:26). God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). If fear or doubt has held you back, repent and ask the Lord to fill you with boldness to step out in faith. Remember, it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that every talent, every ability, every breath we take is a gift from Your hand. Lord, forgive us for the times we have used these gifts for our own glory or buried them in fear and unbelief. We repent of any selfish ambition or pride that has crept into our service for You. Cleanse our hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.
We ask You to open our eyes to the opportunities You have placed before us to use our talents for Your Kingdom. Give us wisdom to know how to steward these gifts faithfully, and courage to step out in obedience even when the path seems uncertain. May our lives bring You honor, and may our works be a testament to Your grace and power at work within us.
Lord, we pray specifically for our brother or sister who has lifted this request before You. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in wisdom and discernment. Remove any hindrance—whether fear, distraction, or sin—that would keep them from fulfilling the good works You have prepared in advance for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). May their talents be used to build up the body of Christ, to share the Gospel with the lost, and to bring light into the darkness.
We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Amen.