I finally responded to one of countless emails received today. It was an email from Duke Divinity School that got me to finally remove my credit card from my wallet. I made the contribution after talking on the phone with my favorite professor earlier today--the person who has most changed my life as a student, pastor, and disciple. The fact that his call came today is a coincidence. And yet, it still brought about much gratitude.
My wallet has been returned to my purse. The gift receipt has arrived in my email inbox. But my experience of giving isn't over.
I now find myself praying for the student(s) who will be impacted by my gift. Perhaps they will be transformed on that gothic wonderland in the same way I was. Maybe they will discover a deep love of God and Duke basketball before learning how the only group of people it's appropriate to say "go to hell" to is Carolina. They might leave more passionate about the church than when they first entered. And, prayerfully, their debt will be reduced a bit, enabling them to freely serve wherever God is calling them to serve.
It's been a powerful time of prayer.
Why don't I pray every time I write a check that is a gift? We pray a corporate prayer of blessing in worship on Sunday -- but what about me as an individual?
I don't write many checks as I choose to make transformational gifts rather than transactional gifts, giving more money to the places or institutions that mean the most to me, instead of a few dollars here and there without really thinking about it. When I write a monthly tithe check to Mount Vernon Place, I always write, "Thank you, God," on the memo line as a way to remind myself that all I have is a gift from God--I'm simply a steward of it. But I'm now going to pray for the people whose lives might be impacted by my gift.
The prayer might go something like this, depending upon the month or season.
"God, our children will gather again tomorrow. Some of them are teased all week or quick to name the bullies in their classroom. Will you help them hear of and embrace your deep love for them? Will you use this money to help our church buy solid curriculum or music that helps them grow in their faith and knowledge of you?"
"God, there is a large convention in town. I don't know who will show up tomorrow. But I know how guests to our city have been beckoned into our beautiful building before, thinking they are taking advantage of an opportunity to see stunning stained glass, only to find themselves in awe of the Spirit's movement. Please use this money to make sure the heat is on, the coffee is brewed, and the space and people are ready to welcome whoever comes in."
"God, dozens of people will show up to shower at the church this morning. Will you use this money to buy towels that convey how we believe poverty should never rob anyone of their dignity?"
"God, we are in a city where it's easy to be defined by whatever one's business card says about them. Will you use this money to strengthen our small group ministry, providing everyone with a place of belonging while also embracing their truest identity as "child of God," an identity that can never be taken away from them."
What do you pray when you give money away?
How might you ask God to take, bless, and multiply whatever you give?