If you are anything like me, your taxes and your prayers are closely intertwined—mostly because you pray for a miraculous provision to be able to pay your taxes. But tax day—whether April 18 (this year in most of the US), April 19 (in Maine and Massachusetts), April 30 (in Canada), or some other day—presents multiple things to pray about. So here are a few suggested ways to pray on tax day this year:
1) Here is a prayer by Michael Kelley, author of Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life (B&H Publishing):
Lord Jesus –
With that very title, I am reminded that you are indeed “Lord.” You sit at the right hand of the Father, and everything that I see is yours. Everything in the universe you have laid claim to. You fling the lightning bolts and stir the seas, and you own cattle on a thousand hills. These are things that I know… and yet I do not know.
I know that I don’t know these things because of days like today. These are days that remind me of my claim of ownership. These are days of white knuckles and resentment. These are days when my grip tightens and the resounding cry of my heart is “mine.”
For me, days like today are about money, but I ask you in Your grace to help me see that today is also about my heart. This is an opportunity for me, today, right now, to be financially sanctified. I know, Lord, that not every dollar I am taxed will go to worthy causes. I know, Lord, that not all in my government acknowledge Your Lordship and are praying this morning over the mighty responsibility You have given them. But I also know that, in Your sovereignty, You set up kings and depose them. And because You do, there is a way today that I might give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to You what is Yours. I know today is about my heart.
Forgive me, Lord, for the times in years past when I have zealously sought after financial loopholes not so that I could give more away to those in need but so I could pad my bank account. Forgive me for hiding behind claims of generosity when I know at the root is selfishness. And thank You for an opportunity this day to be reminded that You provide daily bread along with life, breath, and everything else.
Again, Lord, I ask you today to remind me that I own nothing but have been entrusted with much. Help me, Lord, to have the heart of a faithful steward rather than of a greedy miser, and thank you for Your grace when my grip will tighten once again.
Amen.
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2) A prayer of Tabitha Arnold, author of Worship for Vital Congregations (from the United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Daily Devotional):
Thank you, God, for everyone who paid their taxes in years gone by. Because of them, my childhood was blessed with:
• mountains to climb and parks to explore
• an education offered by public schools and libraries
• safe drinking water and clean air to breathe
• a home even after my father died, because my mother could get a low-interest FHA mortgage
• Medicare for my grandmother when she got sick
• free vaccinations against polio and other diseases
• the county extension service and its 4-H programs for youth
• and most importantly, the assurance that my country cared for me and my family
Thank you, God, for those who have blessed our lives through their taxes in the past and for the chance to bless the lives of others with ours. Amen.
3) A prayer of the Rev. Anne Rush, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Argenta, North Little Rock, Arkansas:
May those who have waited until the last minute be swift and safe on their way to the post box (or at least be fleet of finger on their keyboards)
May those who turned in their forms weeks ago resist the urge to be smug
May those who feel taxed by the work that comes their way during this season find some relief
May those who receive a refund spend it wisely
May those counting on a refund that never quite manifested find other solutions to financial problems
Nothing is for certain except death and taxes
…except perhaps the reality that life, itself, is taxing
May all who are taxed by the ins and outs of everyday life find some rest and relief.
May all who are taxed by the decisions of our world leaders and local law makers find a way to make a difference and usher in some peace.
May all who are taxed with the struggles of figuring out how to give to God what is God’s and to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s find wisdom by cultivating a spirit of gratitude.
May all who grumble about where our tax dollars go, find some cheer while driving down a paved road and over a bridge, pulling over for a firetruck, dropping a child off at public school, sending a care package to someone serving overseas and hiking a trail at the local park.
May God’s hand guide the hearts and minds of those who decide where the money goes, and help us all to be good stewards of all that we have and all that we are.
In the name of the God to whom we all belong,
Amen
4) And, finally, here is my prayer for tax day:
Father God, thank You
for placing no greater burden on us
than to do justly,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God.
Grant that I may also fulfill my civic duties,
pay my taxes,
and still provide for my family
while generously supporting Your work in this world,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
