Offertory Prayers for December 2006

December 3, 2006 — First Sunday in Advent
O God, we offer you these gifts and tithes. We pray that these funds may abound in love for one another throughout the world. Strengthen our hearts in holiness as we faithfully give, so that our ways may be directed by you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. (I Thessalonians 3:9-13)

December 10, 2006 — Second Sunday in Advent
Compassionate God, we joyfully pray to you during this Advent. We offer these gifts with confidence that your love will overflow more and more to the ministries that these gifts support. All glory and praise be given to you! In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. (Philippians 1:3-11)

December 17, 2006 — Third Sunday in Advent
Father God, your Word is filled with so many examples of sharing — sharing love; sharing gifts; sharing resources; sharing faith. While we know that you expect us to share, we often ask, "How much are we to share?" We are overwhelmed by the proliferation of appeals that we experience during this season. Help us not to be overwhelmed, but to be transformed by the call to share. So we share these gifts seeking transformation through Jesus Christ. Amen. (Luke 3:7-18)

December 24, 2006 — Fourth Sunday in Advent
Loving God, you have blessed us time and time again throughout our lives. We, like Mary, can magnify you by proclaiming, "Our spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" We place these gifts on your altar as we seek to change people's lives — to empower social justice, to feed the hungry, to offer mercy to the outcast, to lift up the lowly. In the name of the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen. (Luke 1: 39-55)

December 24, 2006 — Christmas Eve
Gracious God, we are overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit among us on this holy night! We offer these generous gifts without haste because we want to make known throughout the world your love and grace. Accept these gifts as we glorify and praise you for all that we have heard and seen. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among all! We pray in the name of the Babe of Bethlehem, born anew in us tonight. Amen. (Luke 2:1-20)

December 31, 2006 — First Sunday after Christmas
God of New Beginnings, we seek to do everything in the name of Jesus. We desire to live in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. As we place an offering upon your altar, we believe that we are moving closer to this desire. Help us to live this New Year with your peace ruling our hearts. We are so thankful! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Colossians 3:12-17)

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.

Copyright © 2006 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, or any United Methodist organization may reprint any or all of this document provided that the author is cited and the following copyright notice appears:

Copyright © 2006 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Used with permission.

Posted 11-29-06