It may seem a strange analogy for the spiritual life, but the principle of compound interest can be an inspiration to persevere in continual prayer. We learn about the financial mechanism of the “miracle” of compound interest when we are young, and if we’re smart, we start regularly putting money aside to experience it in our later years.
I was not smart and did not do this! However, for decades now I’ve been praying every day, spending time with the Lord and with His Word. In a sense, I have been setting aside a portion of my treasury of time on a regular basis, with the hope of “future gains.” I like to imagine that a spiritual parallel to the financial mechanism of compound interest exists. In this lighthearted proposal, it follows that a miracle of abundant spiritual fruit will be born out of our years of faithful “payments.” In fact, compound interest may merely be a powerful analogy placed inside God’s mathematical designs to point to a far more important spiritual reality.
So, what exactly is compound interest? Simply put, according to Rathbones.com:
. . . compound interest is when you earn interest on both the capital you have invested and the interest you have already received. It allows money to grow exponentially over time and can help savers turn small sums into large amounts over many years. Referring to it as one of the greatest “miracles” known to man, Albert Einstein described compound interest as “the most powerful force in the universe.” But it was perhaps Benjamin Franklin who best captured the meaning and value of compound interest when he defined it as “Money makes money. And the money that money makes, makes money.”
Great, but what does that have to do with prayer? For compound interest to yield its amazing results, consistent deposits over time are required. Similarly, for our spiritual life to yield fruit, faithful praying over time is required. Sometimes it is true that we receive fast results and are encouraged by progress in the depth of our relationship with God, our life of virtue and even in our intercessory prayer. More often, however, we are in this process for the long haul. By faith, not sight, we continue to “make deposits” of prayer, trusting that in God’s perfect timing, according to His perfect will, the best results for all involved will occur.
Other analogies may be more poetic or beautiful, such as the analogy of the growth of a plant, from seed to tree to blossom to fruit. In His mercy God has designed a plethora of reflections on the spiritual life, one for every individual soul. Some of us are more mathematical, more pragmatic than poetic. Some even have the gift to see God in all things, even their bank account!
The point is that when we are faithful to prayer, we will see spiritual miracles compounding in our later years. That intractable situation in a loved one’s life? The walls around their heart can come “suddenly” tumbling down when we least expect it, when we are faithful to prayer over time. That estranged family member? A softening of hearts by God’s persistent grace may cause relationship restoration after decades of prayer.
We all have known older folks in whose presence we feel the nearness of the Lord. Their peace is palpable, regardless of their circumstances. This is another legacy of faithfulness to prayer. Perhaps there were seasons in life when this prayerful person didn’t feel like praying. Perhaps there were times when their faithfulness waned. By God’s grace the balance in their account carried them through to better times when faithfulness was again a joy. Over the long term, the spiritual discipline shaped their souls and their lives, making them the sort of person whose very presence brings God’s peace. When we have a serious prayer need, this is the person we call first, because they seem to have a direct line to God.
Spiritual compound interest is not about perfection. It’s not about any sort of system of manifesting our will. It is about a lifetime of faithfulness, surrendered to God’s will, and the unstoppable force for goodness that this releases, a force akin to the “miracle” of compound interest.
The best part of spiritual compound interest, as opposed to its financial counterpart, is that you can start wherever you are along life’s path. Jesus teaches us this in the Parable of Vineyard Workers:
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.” He said to one of them in reply, “My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?” (Mt. 20:10-15)
Our generous God is not bound by any of the laws He has put in place in the universe, whether they be spiritual, natural, or mathematical. They are designed for our good, but He is not bound by them. The Good Thief is in the same heaven as St. Therese of Lisieux. This is a truth of the kingdom of God. Another encouraging truth, however, may be this analogy of spiritual compound interest.
In the sometimes-discouraging times we have been chosen by God to live in, it is helpful to think like a 20-year-old opening a savings account. God is generous. He wants the best for us and for all whom we are praying for. As we align our prayers and our hearts to His will over a lifetime, the yield of those prayers will be great and will be good. The financial reality of compound interest can change fortunes from one generation to the next. The spiritual discipline of faithful prayer can change the world we leave to our children and grandchildren. What better legacy could there possibly be?
O Divine Providence, you are the support of the poor. Without you Lord, we are poor in every way. With you, we have everything we need. Help us to be faithful to prayer to grow closer to you, to bless others, and to bring about your Kingdom. No matter what stage of life we are in, may we receive the grace you give to pray faithfully for the rest of it. All for your glory, the salvation of souls and for the abundant spiritual fruit you created us to yield.
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
