We check the markets often—but how often do we check our hearts? Most of us approach investing with calculators, not character. Yet Scripture calls us to a deeper way. What if investing isn’t just a financial activity but a spiritual practice—one that shapes who we’re becoming?
Tim McCready, Head of Global Advisory at BrightLight (part of the Eversource Wealth Advisors team), has been helping both Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi develop a theological framework for investing that aligns our portfolios—and our hearts—with God’s purposes. His recent work explores how timeless spiritual disciplines can transform how believers think about investing.
Why Investing Requires a Spiritual Lens
Tim begins with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That’s not just a warning—it’s an insight into spiritual formation.
“Our investment decisions aren’t just a reflection of faithfulness,” Tim says. “They’re shaping who we’re becoming as we seek to be like Jesus.”
When we invite God into our investment decisions, investing becomes more than strategy—it becomes worship. It becomes one more place where we ask God to form us into faithful stewards.
The Ignatian Prayer of Examen—For Investors
One of the most compelling ideas Tim introduces is applying the historic Ignatian prayer of examen to our portfolios.
For centuries, believers have ended their day with this reflective practice—examining God’s presence, confessing sin, noticing grace, and preparing for tomorrow.
Tim suggests: What if investors practiced something similar?
Rather than viewing portfolios strictly through analysis or performance, the examen helps us approach them with discernment, surrender, and spiritual attentiveness.
Step One: Gratitude
Gratitude quiets the noise and recenters us on God’s generosity. Before looking at performance or market movements, Tim encourages investors to pause and thank God for His provision.
It might sound something like:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You’ve entrusted to me—including my investment portfolio. Speak to me about my stewardship, challenge me, and remind me of Your faithfulness as I draw near to You.”
Gratitude reframes everything. It reminds us that portfolios are gifts to steward—not trophies to admire nor securities to cling to.
Step Two: Review
Just as the daily examen invites believers to review their day, the investing examen invites us to review each line of our portfolio with prayerful reflection.
This simple discipline lifts our eyes beyond numbers to the impact our investments have on people, communities, and the world.
As Tim notes, “We may find both joy and conviction—joy where God is pleased, and invitation where He’s calling us to change.”
Step Three: Repentance and Renewal
This is where the examen moves from reflection to transformation.
Perhaps we discover that we’ve placed too much security in our portfolio. Perhaps a certain investment feels misaligned with God’s desires. Perhaps God prompts us toward greater generosity.
Repentance helps us acknowledge these areas honestly—and renewal invites us to receive God’s forgiveness and step forward in faith.
A simple prayer might be:
“Gracious Provider, rule over every part of my life, including my investments. Forgive me for trusting wealth over You. Give me courage to act where You lead, and joy in following Your plan for my life.”
This step reorients our trust away from the market and back toward the One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:10)
Step Four: Community and Accountability
T
