Three Prayers from a Heart of Stewardship with Rachel McDonough | FaithFi
March 21, 2025
Three Prayers from a Heart of Stewardship with Rachel McDonough
Faith & Finance with Rob West
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” — Matthew 25:21
Those are the words every believer longs to hear. That’s why it’s important to regularly reflect on how we’re stewarding the resources God has entrusted to us. Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to share three key Scriptures and prayers to help guide us in faithful stewardship.
Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.
These passages reveal that what seems wise from a financial standpoint may sometimes be wasteful in God’s eyes, and what appears to be wasteful may, in fact, be an act of deep wisdom. True stewardship isn’t just about following formulas—it’s about surrendering our hearts to God.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” — Matthew 25:21
Those are the words every believer longs to hear. That’s why it’s important to regularly reflect on how we’re stewarding the resources God has entrusted to us. Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to share three key Scriptures and prayers to help guide us in faithful stewardship.
These passages remind us that what seems wise from a human financial perspective may, in God’s economy, be short-sighted, and what appears to be wasteful may, in fact, reflect deep spiritual wisdom. True stewardship isn’t just about formulas and budgets. It’s about surrendering our hearts to the Lord.
1. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus: Extravagant Worship
Our first passage draws from Gospel accounts of women anointing Jesus. Though the details vary, they all reveal something powerful about worship and value.
In Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 12, a woman pours out expensive perfume on Jesus. In John’s account, she is identified as Mary of Bethany. The disciples (particularly Judas) object, insisting the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus affirms her act as beautiful and timely, preparing Him for burial.
From a financial perspective, this act may seem irresponsible—her life savings were gone in an instant. But in God’s Kingdom, extravagant worship is never wasted. When Jesus becomes our ultimate treasure, our giving is shaped not by return on investment, but by reverent love.
A Prayer for Worshipful Stewardship
“God, give us eyes to see that the true treasure is You, not wealth. Help us to pour out extravagant worship at the feet of Jesus, holding nothing back.
Teach us to move beyond routine generosity and embrace radical worship. Align our hearts with the rhythms of heaven so that we are available for Your purposes in every kairos moment. Amen.”
2. The Prodigal Son’s Father: A Heart for People, Not Just Money
We often focus on the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable (Luke 15), but the father's actions reveal profound truths about legacy and grace.
When the younger son demanded his inheritance and squandered it, the father didn’t prevent him from making that choice. From a financial standpoint, this may seem reckless or unfair, especially to the older son. But the father’s response wasn’t rooted in economic logic. It reflected the heart of God, who is rich in mercy and values reconciliation over return.
As stewards, we often want to control how money is used, especially when passing on wealth to the next generation. But biblical stewardship requires surrender, not just of our resources, but of our expectations. Even Jesus entrusted the moneybag to Judas, knowing his character. In the same way, we’re called to steward relationships with open hands, not closed fists.
A Prayer for Generational Stewardship
“Father God, help us see that real value is found in people, not money. Teach us to cherish and train up the next generation, knowing they can do far more for Your Kingdom than our wealth ever could.
Free us from the fear that leads to control, and fill us with faith that You are the true provider. May Your blessing extend for a thousand generations, shaping hearts that desire to serve You. Amen.”
3. The Rich Fool: Avoiding Self-Reliance in Wealth
In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man who stores up a bumper crop. Rather than seeking God’s guidance, he decides to build bigger barns and “eat, drink, and be merry.” But God calls him a fool, warning that his life will end that very night—and his stored-up riches will be left behind.
This parable is not a critique of wise saving, but of self-reliance. The man presumed his wealth guaranteed a secure future, but he never consulted the One who holds time in His hands.
When we receive financial blessings, it’s natural to want to protect and preserve. But faithful stewardship begins with humility. We don’t hoard; we hold loosely. We don’t trust in barns; we trust in God.
A Prayer for Humble Stewardship
“God, help us to see that the purpose of stewardship is not self-preservation or accumulation. You alone are our provider. Protect our hearts from the deceitfulness of wealth, which falsely promises security and significance.
When money tempts us to rely on ourselves, teach us to unclench our fists and give freely. May our generosity reflect our trust in You, and may we cherish what You cherish—loving relationships and eternal Kingdom impact. Amen.”
True Stewardship Reflects God's Heart
Stewardship is not merely about wise money management—it’s about mirroring the heart of the Master. When our identity and abundance are rooted in Christ, generosity becomes an act of worship, not obligation.
As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Let us be diligent, but not merely in financial planning. Let us be diligent in seeking God’s wisdom and in forming hearts that treasure Him above all else.
For more insights on biblical stewardship from Rachel McDonough, visit WealthSq.com.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I received $17,000 unexpectedly and wanted to put it in CDs, but my bank no longer offers those high rates. I saw someone on TV suggest looking for high-interest savings accounts, but I'm unsure about using online banks. What would you advise?
I'm 65 and taking $2,100 per month from a Jackson fund. I'm putting $900 back into a growth fund, but I'm using the extra $1,100 to help my family. Should I put all $2,100 back into the growth fund instead of enjoying it now, or would that take away from my kids' inheritance later?
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