Offertory Prayers for May 2007

May 6, 2007 — Fifth Sunday of Easter
Money is important to us, O God. We acknowledge that it becomes too important at times. Our wants and our habits have a way of taking charge of us instead of us taking charge of these resources. As we give these offerings today, grant us the courage and the power to take charge. Help us in our desire to be good stewards of all that we have and all that we are. We give these offerings as earnest money on a new set of priorities. Amen.

May 13, 2007 — Sixth Sunday of Easter
O Lord, we know that the very act of giving helps us to order our priorities. It isn't easy in this world to keep first things first. As we present these gifts, keep our eyes fixed on the difference it makes in the world and not in what we are "giving up." We pray in the name of the one who gave up his life that we might have life abundantly. Amen.

May 20, 2007 — Seventh Sunday of Easter
We confess, O God, that we often turn away from important things because we are overwhelmed with urgent things. This time in our worship helps us to reexamine what is important. We want to be remembered as people who loved and cared and shared. Grant us the power to say no to those temptations that distract us and to commit ourselves to the really important things of loving, caring, and sharing. We ask this as we make this offering in remembrance of the ways you love us and care for us and share with us. Amen.

May 27, 2007 — Day of Pentecost
In this world it is easier to trust in our money than in your mercy. It is easier to look at the moment than at the long haul. As we present these offerings, we pray that you will help us turn that around and that we may find the deep satisfaction of investing our lives in what really counts. Amen.

Written by Herb Mather, retired staff member of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.

Copyright © 2007 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 © 2007 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Used with permission.

Posted 4-20-07