Several years ago a news report told about a preacher who promised to sell blessings on the installment plan. Incredible as it sounds, he offered 12 monthly blessings for $84. Anyone who wanted his prayers could fill out a coupon and send $7 a month for one year. Hinting that his prayers have brought people financial rewards, he promised to send a “blessing certificate” when he received the first payment, and an “anointed billfold” with the second. Of course, there was no money-back guarantee.
Can you imagine Jesus or Peter or Paul promising to pray for people in return for a contribution to their ministries? Certainly not! Paul made every effort to live above reproach. In 2 Corinthians 11:7, Paul told believers that he had “preached the gospel of God to them free of charge.” Although he was specifically referring to the proclamation of the Word, the principle of serving with pure motives applies to any spiritual endeavor.
Beware of anyone who places an emphasis on money while promising to give you spiritual benefit in return. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” I don’t think a righteous man would ever insist on receiving pay to pray!
- By Richard DeHaan (Our Daily Bread)
We desecrate prayer when we give it a price,
We cheapen each word that we say;
For prayer without ceasing fulfills God's command—
His grace gives us freedom to pray.
—DJD
The one who serves God for money is spiritually bankrupt.
- Precept Austin