Living 4 Him

“I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
RSV

A new coat of paint lights up a room.

A new pair of shoes perks up your step.

A new word of prayer refreshes our spirits, opening a channel to the Lord’s work in our lives.  Over the next few weeks, let’s explore several words and concepts to add to our prayer vocabulary. 

Abundance.  This theme runs thick through the Bible.  Seven years of abundance in Genesis. An abundance of offerings given in 1st and 2nd Chronicles.  Praising a God of abundance in the Psalms. Life in abundance in the Gospel of John.  Blessings of abundance from Peter and Jude. 

Abundance is a hallmark of God’s character. His nature is to give without limit. This unceasing generosity stems from an intense love for his creation.  God never runs out.  God keeps on giving. 

From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. John 1:16 RSV

And God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32 ESV

God desires us to partake of his abundance, not to experience earthly wealth, but to become spiritually rich with the gifts of the Kingdom.  

If any of you lacks wisdom (or any other need of the soul), you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV

Tapping into God’s abundance begins with a sincere desire to live our lives God’s way.  He gladly shares the gifts of himself when we are willing to place ourselves in his care.  Our dry souls benefit from his Living Water which never runs dry.

Several words or phrases access God’s abundance through prayer:

“Give me an abundance of patience.  Give me an abundance of knowledge. Give me an abundance of  ________.”

“Increase my faith.  Increase my love for _______.  Increase my ________.”

“May I receive the fullness of your strength.  May I receive the fullness of your joy.  May I receive the fullness of ______________.”

As these words become part of your prayer life, God’s supreme blessings will multiply within your soul.  

As our garden produces food each year, we monitor the harvest to see how much we are producing. Sometimes we have just enough for us to eat and enjoy or if there is an overflowing supply, we have an abundance to share.

God’s plan is a plan for abundance.  When we ask for God’s fullness, an abundance of his best provision, we receive plenty to fill us full and share with others.  Then, joy increases on earth and in heaven!  

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Paul penned a prayer in Ephesians 3:16-19 that is rich in God’s abundance.  Read the passage. Pray the passage. And receive God’s abundance.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Pray abundance for yourself and for others.  Use the prayer below to get started if needed.

God of Abundance and Glory–Fill me with your abundance.

Fill me with such abundant love that I have no room for hate.

Fill me with such abundant goodness that I have no room for evil.

Fill me with such abundant light that I have no room for darkness.

Fill me with such abundant peace that I have no room for discontent.

Fill me with such abundant faith that I have no room for fear.

Praise to you for the riches of Your Abundance.