Day 2 - Generosity overflows in more Blessing    

  2 Corinthians 9:6-9

PAUSE – 

As we prepare for prayer, let’s pause to clear our hearts and minds to invite God’s Spirit to guide us with the words of
Psalm 63:1    

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;

I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,

In a dry and parched land where there is no water…

In a divided and broken world, we long for a fresh flow of God’s living water – the Holy Spirit

REJOICE in God’s goodness with the words Psalm 34:1-3

         I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

         I will glory in the Lord; 

         Let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

         Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.

Do you know the old hymn “Showers of Blessing” - May the chorus be a prayer. 

         Showers of blessing, - Showers of blessing we need,

         Mercy-drops round us are falling, - But for the showers we plead. 

What are we seeking the Lord for today? Who needs a blessing today? Invite the Lord to speak to your heart today – to our Annual Conference this coming June 5-6.

REFLECT - 

As we continue reading 2 Corinthians 9 let’s consider two more verses, 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 

There can be many factors that contribute to the tendency to “sow sparingly,” not the least of which is a scarcity mentality.  If our life experience has included a lot of hardship and lack, we may fear that generosity will lead to poverty.  Or perhaps we are overextended with credit, debt, or we have left little margin in our time, energy, and resources.  This month we will reflect on many different expressions of generosity which extend to much more than our finances, but there is a good word for us in verses 8-9 today.  

Reread these verses (aloud if possible) and listen for a word or phrase which stands out to you.  Take about 30 seconds to listen to what the Spirit is saying to you through the Word. 

The words “all” and “every” struck me in my reading… God is able to bless without limitation as we give without hesitation. There is abundance for every need and situation. What worries, biases, or personal needs might keep me from generosity? How might the Lord increase my faith so that I might sow generously?

ASK - 

Ask the Lord of all to meet the needs of someone or some group of people you know that has a great need. Pray for unimaginable gifts of grace to be extended to those who are hurting today. 

YIELD - 

Open your hands as a sign of an open heart to receive the word the Lord has for you.

Has the Lord revealed any attitudes or fears which are holding you back?  Open your hands and offer them in prayer to the Lord today.  Pray that He will reveal his heart for the broken and marginalized in your community.

Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need.

Mercy-drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.