Offertory Prayers for November 2006

November 5, 2006 — Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost
O God, you call us to love you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We seek to focus on you as our highest priority. Help us to make lifestyle decisions based on your commandments. We, your kingdom-seekers, offer you this money as a means of placing you first in our lives. May these gifts provide ministries of love and compassion to our neighbors. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Mark 12:28-34)

November 12, 2006 — Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost
Forgiving God, people give to the church for so many reasons:
Guilt,
Joy,
Obligation,
Gratitude,
Fear,
Hope,
Control,
Blessing

Remind us of your call to examine everything that we have; after all, our money and possessions are really gifts from you. You call us to use them wisely — to share them openly — to give them generously. So thank you for this celebration of giving. Receive this offering and release us from the foolish temptation to believe that it is best spent on ourselves. Amen. (Mark 12:38-44)

November 19, 2006 — Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Father God, we watch the news and believe that you were speaking to our time when you spoke privately to the disciples on the Mount of Olives. You caution us not to be led astray. We are trying, Lord, to keep our eyes fixed on you. We have worshiped you in song and prayer. We have listened for your Word. Now, we humbly place before you these offerings and tithes. May our resolve be strong to do your will and follow your path. For the sake of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (Mark 13:1-8)

November 23, 2006 — Thursday, Thanksgiving Day
Holy Provider, we are so thankful for the gifts that you have bestowed upon us. Amid all of the thanks that we give on this special day, we pause to especially offer prayers of gratitude and praise to you. You care for all of creation with such love and grace. We acknowledge your abundant provisions and place these offerings upon your altar. We strive to seek first your kingdom and righteousness. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 6:25-33)

November 26, 2006 — Christ the King Sunday
Great and Glorious Savior, we listen attentively to your voice. We place our trust in your truth and grace. In gratitude for your truth in our spiritual journey, we generously place these offerings upon your altar. We pray that these monetary gifts may help others to see your kingdom, to draw closer to you, and to find ultimate peace. We pray in the name of the One who sustains us throughout life's journey, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Amen. (John 18:36; Revelation 1:8 )

Written by the Rev. David S. Bell (dbell@gbod.org), Director of the Center for Christian Stewardship, the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.