Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
James 1:9-11

Dear God, these verses aren’t about being rich or poor, but about all of us being your children regardless of our financial state. I have nothing with any wealth I might have beyond an opportunity to serve you with it, and there is nothing additional wealth could buy me that would bring me more than you already give.

I have some things going on today that are important. First, I get the honor of giving the invocation at a local government meeting. Help me to be a blessing to them, but also to invite the Holy Spirit into that room. My words will be forgotten, so make this not about me trying to say anything meaningful, but to simply be an effective force for your kingdom to come into the world.

Second, there is something important happening at work, and I really need you to be in it. I need for the work done today to be good, to plant seeds that will find good soil, and for good fruit to grow. Help me to be part of that process and to encourage the best in all of it.

Father, I see poor people every day in my work. I see wealthy people as well. The sun rises and sets on all of us. We all get between zero and 110 years on this earth. Help each of us—help me—to find our purpose in you. Give us our daily bread. Nourish us. Forgive us as we forgive others. Keep us from temptation, and give me the strength to avoid and reject temptation when it comes to me. And please let everything I do be about bringing your kingdom onto this earth and your will being done on this earth as it is in heaven. Oh, Lord, I love you.

I pray all of this to you in Jesus and with the Holy Spirit,

Amen