Definition of Tithes and Offerings
Tithes – A tithe is one-tenth (10%) of one’s income or produce, which is given as an offering to God. It was instituted in the Old Testament as a requirement for the Israelites to support the Levites, priests, and temple services.
- 📖 Malachi 3:10 (KJV) – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
- 📖 Leviticus 27:30 (KJV) – “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.”
- 📖 Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV) – “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Offerings – Offerings are voluntary gifts given to God in addition to the tithe. Offerings express love, gratitude, and worship to God and can be given for the support of the church, the needy, or other charitable works.
- 📖 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
- 📖 Luke 6:38 (KJV) – “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
- 📖 Acts 20:35 (KJV) – “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Key Prayer Points for Tithes and Offerings
- Faithfulness in Giving
🙏 Lord, help me to be faithful in giving my tithes and offerings as an act of obedience and worship unto You. (Malachi 3:10) - Blessings and Open Heavens
🙏 Father, as I honor You with my tithes and offerings, let the windows of heaven be open over my life, and pour out abundant blessings. (Proverbs 3:9-10) - Rebuke the Devourer
🙏 Lord, rebuke every devourer in my life, finances, and household, and let my resources be preserved and multiplied. (Malachi 3:11) - A Generous and Cheerful Heart
🙏 Father, give me a generous heart to give cheerfully and willingly, knowing that You love a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) - Multiplication and Prosperity
🙏 Lord, as I give, let it be given unto me—good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. (Luke 6:38) - Financial Wisdom and Increase
🙏 Father, grant me wisdom in handling my finances so that I may be a blessing to others and advance Your kingdom. (James 1:5) - Divine Favor and Provision
🙏 Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)