The Power of Prayer in Support Raising
In Matthew 7:7-11, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we find a powerful teaching about prayer:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-8)
While the passage may seem to encourage us to simply pray for our desires, even for things like a large donor or financial breakthroughs in support raising, the message goes much deeper. It calls us to examine who we are praying to and why we should be praying.
Who Are We Praying To?
In this passage, Jesus compares earthly fathers' goodness with God's unparalleled goodness. He says, “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?” (v. 9). The comparison is clear: even flawed, human fathers know how to give good gifts to their children. How much more, then, does our perfect Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?
As we approach God in prayer, especially when fundraising, do we truly believe He is a good Father? Do we trust that He cares about our needs and the mission we are working toward? It’s easy to compartmentalize our spiritual life and our work, especially when it comes to support raising. We might think, "I’ve got this—I'll make my calls, set my meetings, and get the job done.” But in reality, Jesus is inviting us to see prayer as the foundation of our support-raising efforts, recognizing that we’re not just fundraising; we are partnering with a good and loving God.
Why Should We Be Praying?
If we believe that God is a good Father who cares deeply about our work, why would we not take everything to Him in prayer? The greatest act of love—the sending of Jesus on the ultimate missionary journey—demonstrates God’s deep care for His mission on earth. When we question whether God cares about our work, we need only remember that He sent His Son to redeem the world. Of course, He cares.
So, what stops us from praying as we approach support raising? Perhaps we doubt God’s involvement or think it’s up to us alone to follow the "correct" process. But Jesus invites us to pray confidently, trusting in God's care and provision. Before making phone calls or meeting with potential supporters, why not ask, “God, go before me. Prepare hearts. Allow people to be excited about this mission and bring the right people to join in.”
How Prayer Transforms Us
While prayer may not change God’s mind, it certainly changes our hearts. It reminds us of our dependence on Him. When we prepare to go on campus or launch a new initiative, we often pray, “God, if You don’t build it, we’re laboring in vain.” The same principle applies to support raising: “God, if You’re not going before me, it won’t work.”
Prayer helps us to remember that our efforts are futile without God’s involvement. We may know the strategy—make the calls, set the meetings—but without God's blessing, our efforts will fall short. As we pray, we acknowledge our need for His guidance, recognizing that He alone can move hearts and open doors.
Confidence in Our Ask
Prayer also brings confidence. When we are rooted in the belief that God cares about our mission and goes before us, we can approach support raising with boldness. When we make calls, when we brainstorm potential donors, we do so knowing that God is for us and for the work He’s called us to.
If someone doesn’t answer the phone, it’s okay—God is still at work. If a meeting doesn’t go as planned, we trust that God is in control. Prayer cultivates a heart of trust and resilience, helping us remain steadfast in the process.
In conclusion, prayer is not just a formality—it’s a vital part of support raising. It reminds us of our dependence on God, who is not limited by our circumstances. It strengthens our confidence and allows us to move forward with the assurance that our good Father cares deeply about the mission. Let us approach support raising with prayerful hearts, trusting in the One who loves us and desires for His name to be made known.
Reflection
How do I view God in my prayer life?
Do I truly believe He is a good Father who cares about my needs and mission, or do I often rely on my efforts without involving Him?What role does prayer play in my support-raising process?
Do I invite God into the process and trust Him to work, or do I compartmentalize my prayer life from my fundraising efforts?How does prayer shape my attitude toward obstacles?
When things don’t go as planned—like a missed call or a canceled meeting—how does prayer help me trust God’s bigger plan?
