step three - talk to God

Once you’ve asked the banks some important questions about how they invest your money, checked out their ratings from independent experts, and compared their ethical policies and accounts, chat to God about which one will reflect your love for Him, others and the environment.

Download a bible study on finance here.

Check out our top tips, print them off and keep them in your wallet to help you remember who's in control of your money!

Latest prayer points

Pray for the poor. Pray for those who suffer as a consequence of banks that invest money in activities which harm the environment, exploit human rights, ignore international labour standards and support oppressive regimes. Thank God that He cares about these injustices and pray that He will protect those who are oppressed.

Pray for banks. Thank God that banks such as the Co-op, Smile, and Triodos are investing their customers’ money in ethical ways. Pray that consumer pressure would encourage other high street banks and lending societies to do the same.

Pray for Christian organisations. Organisations as such Christians Against Poverty and Credit Action release people from debt through counselling and practical services. Ask God to bless their staff and volunteers in their much needed and valuable work.

Pray for Christians. Pray that God will help us involve Him in how we spend the money He gives us. Pray that we will buy into His plans and provision for ourselves, others and His world. Ask Him to help us keep our heart attitude on serving Him rather than money. Pray for the courage to ensure that our finances glorify Him.

Creative prayer on finance

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. …For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
Matthew 6:19-21

You will need: Bibles, small sticky labels, pens

Either individually or as a group, look up the following Bible verses:

· 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
· Amos 8:4-6
· Mark 10:17-25
· Matthew 6:19-24
· Matthew 25:14-30
· Luke 21:1-4
· 1Timothy 6:3-10

Choose one of these or make up your own reminder that everything we have belongs to God. Write this on a sticky label and stick it on to your debit/credit card. Repeat for each card you have. If you don’t have any bank cards, stick your label somewhere on your wallet or purse where it will act as a reminder when you spend your cash.

Spend some time praying using the following ideas:

· Pray that God will help you involve Him in how you spend the money He gives you. Pray that you can buy into His plans and provision for you, others and His world. Ask Him to help you keep your heart attitude on serving Him rather than money.

· Think about an action that you want to take as a result of praying about your finances. This could be:
o Deciding to give money back to God through your church
o Committing to avoid buying yourself luxuries impulsively
o Speaking to your bank about where they invest your money
o Switching your bank or opening a bank account with a bank that is pursuing ethical investments

Once you have decided on an action, pray that God will help you do it. Maybe you could share your commitments with the group and agree to hold each other accountable.