Manifesto Value: Sharing and Giving
When the KC Underground launched in 2019, part of our formation was to adopt the Underground Manifesto created by the Tampa Underground. The Manifesto is comprised of eighteen values that reflect our theological convictions. These values bind us together as a diverse and creative network. This prayer guide will cover one of those values.
Read: Spend some time slowly reading and rereading this value:
Sharing and Giving
Because we value community and simplicity, we commit ourselves to both sharing and giving. We will share because it promotes relationships and breaks the bondage of possessiveness. We believe the Western doctrine of personal property is imperfect and needs to be tempered with the more Biblical value of generosity and sacrifice. In sharing what we have with others, we confess that God is the true owner and that we are only stewards in his vineyard. We will also give because in giving we destroy the grip of materialism over our hearts because we release the resource, wealth, or possession completely into the control of another. For that reason, we will pursue relentless generosity and the holding of all things in common. For this reason, we encourage our people to give as often and as generously as they can and to consider themselves stewards of the rest. Likewise, the collective finances of the church and ministries should set an example in this regard.
Retell: As a practice to embrace what you are reading, grab a journal and write the value out in your own words.
Read: Choose at least 3 - 5 of the following supporting passages and read through them.
Biblical Foundation
Malachi 3:10, Matthew 25:40, Luke 3:11, Acts 2:43, Acts 4:32, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-13, 2 Corinthians 8:13, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Timothy 6:18, 1 John 3:17
Consider: As you read and rewrote this value, what stood out to you the most? What did the Spirit highlight as you read the supporting passages from Scripture? What do you sense the Spirit is saying to you? Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts.
Pray: Now that you have had a few minutes to consider what the Spirit might be saying to you, turn these thoughts into prayers.
Perhaps it is a prayer of repentance: Jesus, I repent for the times I have clung to possessions and resources as if they were mine and not Yours. Forgive me for the fear, greed, or selfishness that has kept me from sharing generously and giving sacrificially. I acknowledge that You are the true owner of all I have, and I confess the ways materialism has gripped my heart. Jesus, help me to release these things to You and to live as a faithful steward of the gifts You’ve entrusted to me. Teach me to trust in Your provision and to find joy in sharing and giving freely.
Perhaps it is a prayer of invitation: Holy Spirit, I invite You to transform my heart and renew my mind in this area of sharing and giving. Help me to see all that I have as a gift from You and to hold it with open hands. Lead me to give generously and joyfully, trusting that You will use these offerings for Your glory and purposes. Holy Spirit, build in me a spirit of simplicity and contentment. Teach me to value relationships over possessions and to find freedom in releasing my resources for the sake of Your kingdom. Work through me to reflect Your generosity to others.
Perhaps it is a prayer for contentment and gratitude: Father, teach me the secret of contentment, whether in abundance or in need. Help me to see the blessings I already have and to hold them lightly, knowing that all I possess belongs to You. Thank You for Your provision and faithfulness in every season of my life. Fill my heart with gratitude and my hands with generosity so that I might reflect Your love to others through the way I give and share.
Each of these simple prayers can be a springboard into more. Use the thoughts you journaled above to help guide your prayers. Take some extra time today to pray for the disciple-makers and microchurches across our network, that we would embody simplicity, sharing, and generosity, becoming communities of deep trust, radical love, and abundant provision through the power of the Spirit.
Respond: If Jesus highlighted a particular way for you to respond in obedience to Him today in light of this value from the Manifesto, consider sharing this response with another disciple-maker.