Offertory Prayers

The offering provides a weekly opportunity to connect our faith commitment with our financial habits. These lectionary-based offertory prayers seek to encourage generous giving as a spiritual discipline. The prayers may be printed in the church bulletin as a congregational response or prayed verbally by the worship leader.

September 5, 2010 – Fifteenth Sunday
after Pentecost

O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer, the cost of discipleship seems just and reasonable as we bow our heads in prayer. Yet, when we think about the economic pressures in our lives – the mortgage, car payments, school supplies, health care, college tuition, and credit card debt – giving money is a challenge. Strengthen the connection between your call to discipleship and our giving habits. We strive to grow in generosity so that our giving is a reflection of our desire to be in a covenant relationship with you. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Luke 14: 25-33

September 12, 2010 – Sixteenth Sunday
after Pentecost

Redeeming God, we know what it is like to be wandering in the wilderness like lost sheep. We remember your hand, like those of a caring shepherd, guiding us back to our home in you. We seek to help others experience this same spiritual nurture. So, we provide these financial gifts to be multiplied with other offerings. We are confident that these funds will inspire new ministries and reach the lost. We offer these gifts in name of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Luke 15: 1-10

September 19, 2010 – Seventeenth Sunday
after Pentecost

Faithful One, you have entrusted us with so many gifts that are more important than worldly possessions. You have called us to be stewards of all that you have created. We strive to fulfill your call to be generous stewards by openly sharing the bounty you have placed under our care. We know that we visibly demonstrate our commitment to your work in this world by giving these tithes and offerings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 16:1-13

September 26, 2010 – Eighteenth Sunday
after Pentecost

Patient God, our ears listen attentively, yet our understanding is lacking. Our eyes look wide open, yet human suffering is squarely in front of us. Our hands stretch outward, yet remain listless. Our voice encourages others, yet remains silent to those in despair. Every day, we are faced with opportunities to respond. Forgive us. Awaken us. Encourage us. Call us again to respond by offering your salvation and your abundant life to others every day. We humbly place these gifts before you. Amen. Luke 16:19-31

New offertory prayers are added regularly, so please check back soon for prayers written for upcoming weeks.

Written by David S. Bell, Vice-President of Stewardship with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan.

©2010 All rights reserved. The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. This website does not attempt to make specific legal or tax advice. For advice on how to handle your individual situation, the services of a competent legal, tax, or financial planning professional should be obtained.

SPOTLIGHT

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Imagine a less than full glass of water sitting on the table. If you are particularly thirsty, you may desire a full glass of water or perhaps even a refill after drinking the first glass. If you are not at all thirsty, then it may be a great effort to drink whatever amount of water is in the glass. Is there enough water in the glass? It depends. read more

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