Offertory Prayers for September 2008

September 7, 2008 -- Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Loving God, we are gathered together to listen to your Word and to witness to its truths. We give joyously today and dedicate this offering to your work. We are inspired to share your glorious love with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Increase our talents and offerings so that your name is exalted with unending praise. Blessed is your name! Amen. (Based on Matthew 18:15-20.)

September 14, 2008 -- Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Patient Lord, you amaze us each day with your ability to forgive our many sins. You display merciful acts and answer our prayers in profound ways. Help us to be stewards of your mercy and grace as these monetary gifts are transformed into active ministries. Multiply the span of these ministries to reach people in new ways. We pray in the name of the one who teaches true forgiveness, Jesus Christ. Amen. (Based on Matthew 18:21-35.)

September 21, 2008 -- Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Knowing God, you have given us a never-wanting future, yet we often forget the nature of your divine gift. We become entangled in the snares of self-centeredness. Today, we joyfully share these many offerings as a way to release ourselves from being self-focused to being God-focused. In the name of your loving Son, we pray. Amen. (Based on Matthew 20:1-16.)

September 28, 2008 -- Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Faithful God, we gratefully acknowledge that you are the giver of all things. You call us to share these gifts so that we may experience the joy and humility of giving to others. We pray that this very act of offering our gifts to you will enable us to be obedient disciples of your work. We are blessed to receive and to offer the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise your holy name! Amen. (Based on Philippians 2:1-13.)

Written by David S. Bell, former Director of Stewardship with GBOD. He currently serves as Vice-President of Stewardship with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. You may contact him by visiting www.covenantquest.com.

Copyright 2008 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, or any United Methodist organization may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the author is cited.

Posted 08-25-08