We declare war against Parsimony, the stinginess that chokes prosperity.
Just as the stingy man eagerly seeks wealth yet knows not that poverty awaits him, so shall we reject selfish hoarding and embrace generosity that increases life (Prov. 28:22; 11:24).
We shall break the curse of withholding, and tear down the walls of selfish preoccupation, restoring the blessings that come with faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving (Hag. 1:4-6; Mal. 3:8-11).
We declare war against Overindulgence, the prodigal squandering of our resources that leads to famine and need (Luke 15:13-14).
We renounce the destruction that follows pleasure-loving and drunkenness.
No longer shall the love of wine, oil, or wild living impoverish our souls or our purses (Prov. 23:21; 21:17).
We declare war against Vanity and Pride, the haughty spirit that precedes destruction and brings one low.
We take up humility as our armor, for honor belongs to the humble (Prov. 16:18; 29:23).
In pride’s downfall, poverty lurks — but in humility, abundance shall be restored.
We declare war against Evil Company, the vain and frivolous associations that drain our resources and steal our bread.
We choose the company of diligence and productivity, for the one who tills his land shall have plenty, but those who follow empty pursuits shall suffer poverty (Prov. 28:19).
We declare war against Rebellion, for disobedience to God’s commands brings curses of poverty in the city and in the field, in the basket and kneading bowl, in the fruit of the body and the produce of the land (Deut. 28:15-18).
Like the house of Eli, we refuse the pride that mocks sacrifice and invites ruin (1 Sam. 2:29-36).
We embrace correction rather than disdain it, knowing that poverty is the heritage of the rebellious (Prov. 13:18).
We declare war against Tardiness—the sloth, the love of sleep, and the hands idle when work calls (Prov. 10:4; 6:10-11; 20:13; 24:33-34).
We rise up as diligent workers, for poverty prowls like a thief in the night for the lazy, but the diligent shall reap riches.
We declare war against the Yoke of Bondage—the mindset that poverty is predetermined or God’s will.
We affirm that it is the Lord who gives power to gain wealth (Deut. 8:18) and reject the curse that poverty is our birthright or destiny.
We break the self-inflicted curses spoken by the tongue and refuse to trust in man rather than in God, whose blessings make the wilderness bloom (Prov. 18:21; Jer. 17:5-6).
This day, we rise as a people free from the chains of poverty, armed with wisdom, humility, diligence, and faith.
No longer shall these causes rule us or dictate our future.
By God’s grace, through obedience and perseverance, we shall conquer and live in abundance.
The war against poverty is declared—victory is ours!
Let every cause of poverty be uprooted and condemned to defeat in the name of the Most High.
So say we all. Amen.