You say
How can I ask God to take away the thought of wanting to be rich? I have struggled financially all of my life and I have gotten to the point where I pray for winnings in the lottery. I don’t like thinking like this, so can you suggest a verse or prayer?
Probably the best way to overcome the desire to be rich, is to be content with what you have and constantly strive to focus on the blessing God has given you. I know this is easier said than done, but it is achievable.
Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:6-10:
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, (7) for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (8) But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Paul continues with the antidote to desiring to be rich in 1 Timothy 6:11.14:
(11) But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (12) Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (13) I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, (14) to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ
Some advice from the writer to the Hebrews – Heb 13:5:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Some advice from Jesus – Matthew 6:31-34:
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (32) For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. (33) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (34) “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Basically, it is a matter of being content and focussing on serving God.
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