Offertory Prayers for July 2007

July 1, 2007 — Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Loving God, we know that you love us whether we give anything or not. That is amazing, because that is not the way the world works. However, it is because of your amazing love that we give out of our resources at this time. As we present these gifts at this time, our prayer is that we will not forget your amazing love all through this week. Amen.

July 8, 2007 — Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
Transforming God, we see seeds become plants, babies grow into adults, addicts live free, and an idea become a reality. Now we pray that this money that we give will become the instrument of your transformation in our community and throughout the world. It is in that hope and with trust that we offer these gifts, in Jesus' name. Amen.

July 15, 2007 — Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
There isn't much in life that seems very secure. Events and experiences in life shake our confidence. When we come into this time of worship, we are reminded that we can place our confidence — our very lives — in you. It is in gratitude for your steadfastness that we give. Receive these gifts in thankfulness, O God. Amen.

July 22, 2007 — Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
Gracious God, this time of worship helps us to get our bearings. Most of the time we buy and sell. Here we give and receive. We are thankful that we can give — not only to spread your love and mercy around this world — but also to remind ourselves of what has real value in life. By giving something away today, we acknowledge that meaning in life does not come from "stuff" but from a relationship with you through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

July 29, 2007 — Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
God, there is a lot of stuff to dazzle us in the world. We could spend what we are giving to try to dazzle others. In these moments, we remember the times when someone has silently stood by us when were upset . . . the times when we have been awestruck by mountains or flowers . . . the times when you have come to us in silence. We give these offerings, not to dazzle, but to say thank you. Thank you, God. 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