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Psalm 115:14-18
May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

Prosperity theology is a heretical teaching promising health and wealth to those who follow God. Some flavors of this errant belief system guarantee that God will take whatever you give and return the amount fourfold or even tenfold. While this teaching is scripturally out of bounds, praying for God’s blessing is right in line with God’s Word. In today’s passage the psalmist prays that God will “cause you to flourish.” Let’s get practical and personal with this prayer.

Father, I pray that You will cause my marriage to flourish. Allow (name your spouse) and me to honor You with our commitment to each other.

Father, please cause my family to flourish—(name your children/grandchildren). Restore and heal broken relationships and estrangement. Develop them into men and women who will love and serve You. 

Father, please bless those who are ill (name those struggling with illness). I pray that You will restore their health. Help their love for You to flourish in this challenging time.

Father, please bless my place of work (name your place of employment or the business you own). Help me to be a person of integrity in the workplace. Allow my reputation as a follower of Jesus to flourish.

Father, You are the Maker of heaven and earth. Please keep me close to You and cause my commitment to You to flourish until I see You face to face.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.