To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.

Matthew 25:15

Dear Lord,

You give talents and resources to everyone, though not in equal measures. The Parable of the Talents shows that You know the abilities of each of Your children and give responsibility accordingly. You also expect us to invest the time, talents, and treasures You give to us through good stewardship. Lord, we confess that far too often we squander our talents instead. We fail to use the gifts You have given us or we use them for purely selfish purposes. Please forgive us when we have failed, and open our eyes to see what abilities and opportunities You give to each of us. You do not extend the same calling to everyone. Not all of us are called to start an inner-city ministry, say, but some of Your children are. Some are called instead to support such ministries through their prayers and financial support. Your Word says that You call “some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12), showing the ultimate purpose of our talents—building up the body of Christ. Help those who have been given more—the “five talent” people—not to think of themselves more highly than they ought or to look down upon those who have been given less. At the same time, help those who are given less—your “one talent” servants—not to be jealous of those who have been entrusted more. Allow us to use our talents to the best of our abilities in order to further the spread of the Gospel and to build up and support Your body, the Church. Give us clarity of mind to recognize that talents You have entrusted to each of us in turn. Let us take the warning in the Parable of the Talents seriously, that “Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:29b). But allow us also to remember Your promise that “everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance” (Matthew 25:29a). Thank You for entrusting us with such talents, and strengthen us to be faithful stewards of all with which You have blessed us.

Today I pray that You help me to use my talents in the following areas…

In Your name I pray. Amen.

For a full explanation of this challenge, see the post 12-Minute Prayer Challenge. If you are just joining us, feel free to continue on with us from the current day, or if you prefer, you can go back and start at Day 1.