The Lord our God often gives us so many wonderful things that makes our life worth living. He gives us the gift of family and friends, the gift of love and laughter. As humble servants, we should show gratitude and give something back to the Father.
Since God does not want anything material, we offer to Him prayers from our hearts. These heartfelt offertory prayers should be our gifts to the Lord for everything that He has done for us, including His Son who has given up His life to save us from our sins.
Morning Offering
Father Almighty, I love and adore You with all my heart. Thank You for creating me and making me a Christian. Keep me safe through the night. I offer You all my works and actions today.
I offer You all my thoughts and intentions, all my affections and desires. I gladly offer these all throughout the day. Grant them that they may be in according to Your will and only for Your greater glory, Lord.
Keep me away from all sin and evil. Let Your grace always be with me and my loved ones. May they feel Your presence through me. I pray that I never lose sight of you all day long. Accept my desire and take my offerings, dear God. Let me die for love of You. Let my last heartbeat be an act of perfect love like how Jesus has showed us.
In Your Son Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Offering of Life to the Lord
Heavenly Father, You have granted us the gift of being Your children. You have given us Your son to save us from our sins. Because of that, Father, I offer my life to you. I will live in sacrifice to do what is pleasing to You. I offer you all my hard work and my sacrifices.
I do all things to glorify Your most holy name, Lord. I cast all my worries about you and I believe that everything will be in place for I have You as my Father, dear God. Grant me the strength to hold on to You not only during the times of weakness but through whatever.
Thank You, Father, for being so generous to us. I give You my life and I will dedicate every service I do to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer to Repay Generosity
Father Almighty, You have given us many blessings. We come to You today in thanksgiving and our hearts look heavenward. You have given us a home to take shelter in, clothes to makes feel warm, food to nourish our body and water to keep us from being thirsty.
You have given us eyes to see your beautiful creations, a nose to smell the scent of the flowers, ears to hear the birds humming so sweetly in the morning. You have given us the hands to touch the lives of many. For all these gifts You have showered upon us, we offer to You these simple presents. May they be put to good use of the community.
You have showed us what it means to be generous and we want to pay it forward to our church. Grant the youth the same generosity You have taught us and that they may understand what it means to be Your child. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Prayer for These Gifts
Heavenly Father, we offer You these gifts to mend the hearts of those who were possessed by the devil. You alone have the remove our insecurities – our greed, prejudice and our fear.
Your Word alone can nurture our souls and give peace in our hearts. You have given us the gift of salvation and you ask nothing but our repentance in return. Your example of being generous teaches us to do the same especially to those who have sinned against us.
You have taught us the lesson of forgiving those who have done wrong against us. We dedicate these gifts in Your honor and glory, Lord as thanksgiving for all the things You have given us. Teach us to be committed to You and only You all the days of our lives. We dedicate our lives, hard work and sacrifices to You, Father. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer for the Gifts We Offer to the Lord
Lord, You provide us with everything it is that we need. You have blessed us with many opportunities to do what is right and true. You never ask us to wait when we cry out for Your name. You provide us counsel in times of sorrow and grief.
You share us joy in times of celebration and glee. Today, teach us how to dedicate our lives only for Your glory. Teach us to become a blessing to others even to those we do not know. Encourage us to follow the footsteps of Your son Jesus Christ as he was the ultimate example of what a good person is.
Teach us to reject all things evil.
Keep us away from temptation and mend the hearts of those who are hurt. May these tithes and other gifts multiply and it may be of help to those who are in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Our Offerings
Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and Source of all things good. You have showered us with greatness and love even on the days we turn against You. Look into our hearts and receive this heartfelt thanksgiving we offer to you. Thank You for all the gifts and blessings You have showered upon me and my family. You are the rock of our spirit and without You, we will be nothing.
You have provided us with a family, friends, a home and food to eat for each day. As You have been generous to us, we offer You these gifts as symbols of our utmost gratitude for Your kindness. Bless us, Father, with continued graces and blessings throughout each year. May these gifts multiply and that everyone in our community can benefit from them.
Forever in Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ most holy name, we pray. Amen.
Read Powerful Prayers for Gratitude
My Daily Offering to the Lord
Heavenly God, I offer You all my works and actions for this day for the glory of Your name. I pray that I may sanctify every beat of my heart, every thought in my mind. Every simple work I do, I offer onto You. I wish that all my sins be forgiven as You are a merciful and loving God.
I offer this prayer to those who are dear to me. I pray that they fulfil Your most holy will and that they may accept all sorrows that may come their way. Take all my laughter and my tears, every word, every thought and each deed to help all those who are in need. May this gift of prayer be a unique offering to Jesus Christ, Your son.
He renewed our spirits and guided our eyes to look heavenward. I pray that my soul be united with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen.
A Morning Offering for the Father
Sweet Jesus, pray with me this morning as offering to God our Father. He has blessed me with You and my family. He has given me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak the word of truth. I offer to You and the Father all my works, thoughts and actions for this day. I offer all that I am and who I am to glorify Your name.
Jesus, You continuously offer Yourself for the salvation of all mankind. Teach us this kind of generosity. Teach us to love our neighbours, even those who have sinned against us like You have forgiven Judas. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be my guide on my journey to become like You, Jesus.
I pray that I may be pure like Your Mother Mary. May all women here on Earth emulate her purity and her integrity. All this I pray. Amen.
Featured Prayers and Poems for Offerings
We Pray as We Serve
Holy God, you sent us your Son to teach us how to live with one another, and Jesus made it so clear for us when he told parables of compassion and mercy. As we give our gifts this morning, we remember that our lives are a journey, and there are wounded and hurting all along the road. Some are where we can see, some are where we cannot see. May the gifts we offer this morning be used to bind up the wounds, to ease the pain, to give hope to those who wait in despair as the world seems to pass by on the other side.
We pray as we serve, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Source: gbod.org
Offertory Prayer for Worship Leaders
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Source: generousgiving.org
Prayer for Thanksgiving Offerings
Dearest Father, I offer these gifts to You as You have given me everything it is that I need.
You have provided me with a comfortable life with more than everything that I shall ever need. May these gifts be tools to fix every negativity we have in life – desperation, greed, prejudice. You, Father, are the provider of all things great. May these gifts we give to You be used only for good things.
Thank You, Father, for the teaching us how to be generous without expecting anything in return because that is how it always should be. Through the intercession of Mary Our Mother, I pray. Amen.
Bearing Gifts
Heavenly Father, I come to You today bearing gifts. May these gifts be put to good use like the blessings You have been showering upon me and my loved ones. May Your generosity be emulated by everyone. Teach them, especially the young ones, the importance of giving and how it is more important than receiving. May these gifts be able to bind all broken hearts, relationships and dreams.
May they please You, Father, as that is what my life is for. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Father God, we come to You with gifts of gratitude and thanksgiving. We continuously praise and glorify Your name for all the gifts You have showered upon us. You have loved us unconditionally even on the days we do not acknowledge Your presence.
You willingly had Your Son sacrifice his life to save us from our sins. Because of those, Father, we thank You with all of hearts. We offer onto You all the sacrifices we have made and yet to make, all the hard work that goes through everything we do. In Your most holy name, we pray.
Amen.
The Fruits of Our Labor
By: Raymond A. Foss
We prayed together, to the creator,
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
Our fruits; our labor, really?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives.
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age.
Living more humbly, acknowledging the source
the center of all we are, all we have
sharing with others, that which was never ours, truly,
gifts, all we have, from the creator,
to give back, from our hearts
so that others would know abundance, daily provision
that none would be hungry, thirsty, anymore.
Source: Raymond A Foss
These are just few of the wonderful offertory prayers anyone can offer to the Lord to thank Him for all the blessings You have received and the ones that you have yet to have. The Lord answers all requests asked from him, but not all at once.
But as the cliche goes, all good things come to those who wait.
www.praywithme.com
Copyright © 2018 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the following copyright notice appears: “Copyright © 2018 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.”
December 2, 2018 – First Sunday of 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 9, 2018 – Second Sunday of Advent
Gracious and Giving God, we once again prepare for the birth of your chosen Son. Through the voices of prophets and preachers, you have been heard in the driest deserts and the steepest valleys. Unfurl our hearts and open our minds so that we may hear your salvation story anew. Giving this money is a worshipful gesture of our unending alleluias to you. We dedicate this offering to your Kingdom work. Amen. Luke 3:1-6
December 16, 2018 – Third Sunday of Advent
Lord of Light, you gave yourself to this world by the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. We thankfully rejoice and praise you for your peace and light shared with all nations. Now, center us on the King of Glory during these prayerful moments of giving. We present these gifts as your humble and willing servants in the name of the One who comes to us anew, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Philippians 4:4-7
December 23, 2018 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
God of Glory, we eagerly anticipate the joy-filled celebration of Jesus’ birthday party. We recall now in the quiet recesses of our minds the thrill of receiving your message of salvation. As we open ourselves again to this holy wonder, accept these generous gifts. May the ministries that these gifts support invite others to receive the saving message of the Christ Child. In His name, we pray. Amen. Luke 1:46b-55
December 24, 2018 – Christmas Eve
We celebrate the birth of the Holy Child! Although born in humble surroundings, Jesus’ presence surrounds all who call upon his name. The hope born in a manger long ago is birthed again. We gratefully offer these financial gifts as a way to provide hope for all God’s children. We rejoice in knowing that your ministry is strengthened by our gifts and prayers. We pray in the name of the Babe in the Manger. Amen. Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
December 30, 2018 – First Sunday after Christmas Day
King of Kings, we join the angels in singing your unending praise. You alone created the universe in all of its glory. We present these gifts knowing that they will be transformed into ministries of Good News. Bless this offering so our giving honors your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen. Psalms 148
January 6, 2019 – Epiphany of the Lord
Purposeful Lord, we praise your wisdom and your insight in providing us the opportunity to give to your ministries through this local church during 2010. Through His birth and deeds, Jesus set us free from earthly limitations. Today, we joyously acknowledge that our spiritual blessings are evidence of your love for your children. May these generous gifts be applied according to your plan as we glorify your Holy Name. Amen. Ephesians 1:3-14
January 13, 2019 – Baptism of the Lord & First Sunday after the Epiphany
Sovereign God, we remember that becoming part of a Christian community was not a meaningless dedication but a call to be devoted openly to you. The sacrament of baptism is a reminder of all that we have received and all that we are asked to give. Like the heavenly voice you shared with your beloved son, we listen anew for your guidance and direction. Multiply these financial gifts so others may be baptized in your Precious Name. Amen. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
January 20, 2019 – Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Spirit, you have honored each of us with unique spiritual gifts. We acknowledge that these gifts are to be used for your glory alone. Help us to offer our talents so that others may be encouraged to share abundantly. We are honored and humbled by the responsibility of using these gifts as stewards of your Kingdom. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I Corinthians 12:1-11
January 27, 2019 – Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Glorious God, the beauty in your creation is awesome. We are often speechless by the majesty of your mountains, oceans, forests and rivers. Yet, you enthrall us with something even as small as a fragile snowflake or a grain of sand. Your genius and power is manifest in the natural world. We share these gifts as stewards of your resplendent creation. We affirm our responsibility to use natural resources in God-honoring ways. Amen. Psalm 19
February 3, 2019 – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Nurturing God, You remind us that faith without love is meaningless. We present these gifts with love. We rejoice in our ability to share. May this moment of giving warm our hearts and stir our souls so that we remember to act consistently out of love in the name of Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen. I Corinthians 13:1-13
February 10, 2019 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Exalted Lord, we offer these sacrificial gifts from thankful hands and from rejoicing lips. When we are surrounded by trouble, you cradle us in your constant love. You shine your glory into our weakened hearts. Through these gifts, help our hurting and needy neighbors so they feel secure in your abiding grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Psalm 138
February 17, 2019 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Loving God, we are so thankful that you, through your son, Jesus Christ, have come and stood on a level place with us. We need you to abide with us in our ordinary, everyday lives. We, your gathered crowd of disciples, participate in this act of worship by offering you a portion of the money that we have earned from the work of our ordinary, everyday lives. We dedicate these gifts to your service. We pray in the name of the one who heals, Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 6:17-26
February 24, 2019 – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Holy One, we give because You beckon us to give. We give because You call us to be merciful. We give because you command us to love our enemies. We give because we seek be Your followers who do good and expect nothing in return. May the offering that we place upon the altar humble us so that we do not judge or condemn but offer a posture of forgiveness and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Luke 6:27-38
March 3, 2019 – Transfiguration Sunday
Gracious God, like Moses, we often seem veiled in our daily lives when given an opportunity to share your splendor. Our minds become focused on the temporal and the materialistic. We ashamedly view the world as our kingdom and not your kingdom. Lift the veils on our souls so our thoughts and deeds are transformed from any selfish desire to your calling and vision. We offer ourselves to you here and now. Amen. II Corinthians 3:12-4:2
March 6, 2019 – Ash Wednesday
Sovereign Lord, you call us to give generously as a way of expressing our love to you. On this Ash Wednesday, we strive to strengthen our spiritual commitment. One of those spiritual commitments is our act of giving. Use this offertory moment to help us reflect on this spiritual commitment. In so doing, may we discover opportunities to grow as your followers during this season of Lent. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 10, 2019 – First Sunday in Lent
God of Deliverance, you led your chosen people long ago out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Your people rejoiced and worshipped you with the first fruits of their labors. Their contributions were a symbol of devotion to your mighty presence in their lives and in the lives of following generations. Guide our gifts so that they may be multiplied to help those still languishing in the wilderness of uncertainty. Help our giving to inspire others as they journey toward the promise of Eternal Life. Through your holy son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 26:1-11
March 17, 2019 – Second Sunday in Lent
God of Salvation, you challenge us to remain connected wholeheartedly to your Word, rather than to spend time on petty worries and fears. You and you alone, lead us on a level path. Now, we ardently listen for your call in our lives. We praise you for reaching out to us. In this moment of offering a portion of our income to you, we reach out to you. We reach out seeking your grace. You are the stronghold of our lives! Praise to you now and forevermore. Amen. Psalm 27
March 24, 2019 – Third Sunday in Lent
Holy God, we offer these gifts in gratitude for the blessings you bestow upon us. Despite our unfruitful ways, we have endless opportunities to reflect your glory in our lives. We turn our hearts and minds to the commitment that you have made to us through your son Jesus Christ. May these gifts become symbolic of our desire to renew our covenant relationship with you, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. Luke 13:1-9
March 31, 2019 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Patient God, we cherish the scripture story of the prodigal son. You are always willing to accept us, even in our bleakest moment. You surround us with the hushed silence of your love. Like a compassionate parent, you wait to receive us in your embrace while we struggle to place you first in our lives. Multiply these tithes and offerings so that they open the ears of your lost children to your message of unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
April 7, 2019 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Good and Gracious God, when Jesus was anointed at Bethany, he reminded us all that our earthly time would be short in proportion to our heavenly time with you. We recognize that we only have so much time to love, to laugh, to give, and to care in this world. In this time of giving, we present these generous gifts to be anointed by your hand to glorify the promise of everlasting life. Through your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. John 12:1-8
April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday
Loving Lord, today we remember Jesus’ triumphant ride from the Mount of Olives. Jesus obediently gave everything so that we could live a life worthy of your calling. Grant us the courage and the determination to be your obedient disciples. Instill within us the desire to proclaim, “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Increase our generosity so that these monetary gifts may be transformed into inspired ministries. In the name of the Sacrificial Lamb, your only son, we pray. Amen. Luke 19:28-40
April 18, 2019 – Maundy Thursday
Lord God, we are reminded through the Scriptures that you have provided us with examples of proper living. Jesus often taught that his disciples were to follow his example, to do so in memory of him. Now we place this offering before you, mindful of our responsibility to be thankful for the gift of your Son and to serve as a loving example for others. Bless these gifts. We pray in your Holy Name. Amen. John 13:1-17, 31b-35
April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday
God of all Ages, you have emptied the tomb and set us free from our burdens. Hope has overshadowed fear. Comfort has replaced neglect. Faith has gained victory over doubt. The bounds of everyday living, often overwhelming our souls and weakening our spirits, are liberated by Jesus Christ. Today, we recommit to offering comfort, hope, and faith as your generous disciples to others who are driven by fear, neglect, and doubt. We offer these gifts in honor of your Easter promise. Alleluia and Amen. John 20:1-18
April 28, 2019 – Second Sunday of Easter
Holy Spirit, we are like young children as we hear again that Jesus Christ is risen. We believe the Easter Story without question. Your power is so great and so loving. Our hearts are filled with peace; our minds are expanded with understanding. Help us to share your power so that this offering is multiplied and brings relief to those needing to know you, the great I AM. Amen. John 20:19-31
May 5, 2019 – Third Sunday of Easter
Holy One, you transformed the life of Saul. He was converted to your work as a disciple. We, too, have been transformed by your love. You earnestly listen for our daily response to your steadfast presence. Open our hearts so that we may walk consciously with you each day. We lift up this offering in obedience to your will. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen. Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
May 12, 2019 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. You strip away any enemy if we focus on your righteousness. You never lead us astray. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Your goodness and mercy overflow in our lives. May these gifts with which you have blessed us support ministries that bring others into your heavenly fold. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Psalm 23
May 19, 2019 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Loving God, as your Holy Word reveals, your gift of grace is offered to all of your children. You wait expectantly to hear our response. In this hushed moment, we respond by offering financial gifts. We respond by praising your name in prayer. We respond by singing, “Glory be to God!” Amen. Acts 11:1-18
May 26, 2019 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Gracious God, you are a loving parent imparting wisdom to those who love and follow you. As Jesus demonstrated to his disciples, you offer the immeasurable peace of an eternal home. We praise your name in the comfort of this peace and place these tithes and offerings before you. Multiply these gifts so that those seeking to establish peace in this world will feel your guiding hand. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. John 14:23-29
June 2, 2019 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Lord Almighty, you are the supreme ruler of the Earth! You can make nations bow down to your will. You shine your luminescent light on the righteous and spread gladness of heart to those who are good. You have the omnipotent power to move majestic mountains and to calm the stormy seas. You rescue us from wickedness when we praise and worship your works. We acknowledge the strength of your spirit in our lives by giving these tithes and offerings. May you enrich these gifts with your blessing. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Psalm 97
June 9, 2019 – Day of Pentecost
God of Amazement and Wonder, you have been preparing the way for us throughout time. You sent people like the prophet Joel and Peter to guide our spiritual journey. On this day of Pentecost, we celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes confused but often in awe, we watch the everyday miracles experienced all around us. All things are possible with you, O God. We trust that this offering will foster the miracles and the possibilities that you have in store for this church community. We await with hearts already filled in amazement and wonder at your ways. Come Holy Spirit, come! Amen. Acts 2:1-21
June 16, 2019 – First Sunday after Pentecost
God of Hope, we humbly present these gifts in recognition of the grace that you offer us each and every day. You have endowed us with great bounty. Today, we give a portion of this bounty to you as a generous expression of our gratitude. We are compelled though biblical teaching to share generously in ways that impact the greater mission of the church. We exalt your Holy Name as we participate in this sacrificial act of offering ourselves to you. We pray through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Romans 5:1-5
June 23, 2019 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
Healing Father, use these gifts to mend the hearts of those who have been possessed by earthly demons. You have the ability to mend our insecurities – our greed, our self-indulgence, our prejudice, and our fear. You alone can nurture our souls. May these worshipful moments renew our desire to follow you and to reject the forces of evil. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who restores and reconciles all who believe in him, we pray. Amen. Luke 8:26-39
June 30, 2019 – Third Sunday after Pentecost
Everlasting God, you never ask us to wait when we cry out in despair. You are ever-present. You provide counsel in our bleakest moments. You share joy in our celebratory times. We confess that sometimes we are reluctant in our relationship with you. We do not desire to be the “would-be” followers of Jesus, like Luke describes. Help us to be committed totally to you in the days ahead. We rededicate ourselves to you and share a portion of our financial earnings with you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Luke 9:51-62
July 7, 2019 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, you provide us with opportunities every day to extol the dedication of this congregation, our faith family. Through our giving, we are able to support the vital ministries of this faith family. Bless these gifts and encourage us be in service in your holy name. Amen. Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
July 14, 2019 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Great God in Heaven, you remind us to focus our ability on first loving you. Then, you urge us to reflect that love toward our neighbor. We desire to be the modern day “Good Samaritan.” Create anew in our hearts a burning desire to care for your children. Encourage us to follow the caring ways that Jesus taught. Multiply these tithes and offerings so acts of tolerance and hospitality are extended through our ministry to all of your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Luke 10:25-37
July 21, 2019 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Living God, we invite you into our minds and hearts in this hushed moment of praise and thanksgiving. We listen for your invitation to forget our daily stress and to unwind in your embrace. You enfold us in your peace extending beyond needless worries and everyday troubles. We worship you with these gifts and with spirits renewed by your grace. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose message transcends time. Amen. Luke 10:38-42
July 28, 2019 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Our Father who art in Heaven, you nourish our famished souls by listening to our humble prayers. We come asking, seeking, and knocking with the full knowledge that you are ready to respond to our supplications. You deliver us from evil by nourishing our hearts with forgiveness and our minds with understanding. You prepare a heavenly table for all who believe in the mighty acts of your Holy Son. Bless these gifts so that your children will feast at the banquet which awaits in your eternal home. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 11:1-13
August 4, 2019 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, we have become anesthetized to the amount of greed surrounding our everyday lives. Our identities often seem defined by our possessions and lifestyle. Yet, we are stripped bare of our worldly possessions and seen equally in your holy sight. Release those temporal bonds preventing us from living and giving in ways that honor your name. We prayerfully dedicate these gifts to the work of your eternal home, a place of faith where our souls will truly rest. Amen. Luke 12:13-21
August 11, 2019 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Faithful Father, you ask us to place you first in all that we do. You call us to surrender completely to your will and to be obedient to your word. However, letting go is such a great barrier to overcome. We fool ourselves into the premise of being in control. Lift this barrier! Increase our hearts desire to freely provide for others in our giving and our serving. In the name of your servant son, Jesus, the Christ, we bless these offerings to your glory. Amen. Luke 12:32-40
August 18, 2019 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of All, we are so thankful for this opportunity to give. Our joy is tempered by the knowledge that so many of your children suffer in war-ravaged countries and impoverished cities. Multiply these gifts so that those oppressed by injustice may experience your care. Awaken us so that our need to act faithfully against all injustice is reflected in how we speak and how we serve. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Psalm 82
August 25, 2019 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Holy One, we commit these offerings and tithes with prayerful minds and quiet hearts. As we give, we also receive. Like Jeremiah, we know that in the silence of prayer you will enable us to listen to your commands. We are never too young or too old to seek your presence. This time of prayer wraps us in the comfort of your protection and care. Bless us as we seek to bless others in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Jeremiah 1:4-10
September 1, 2019 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Generous God, we humbly offer these gifts in response to your Living Word. You remind us that extending radical hospitality has all to do with your love and nothing to do with our social status. If we loved those outcast in our society like we have been loved by you, our world would be a place of true acceptance and abounding joy. May it be so today! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 14:1, 7-14
September 8, 2019 – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer, the cost of discipleship seems just and reasonable as we bow our heads in prayer. Yet, when we think about the economic pressures in our lives – the mortgage, car payments, school supplies, health care, college tuition, and credit card debt – giving money is a challenge. Strengthen the connection between your call to discipleship and our giving habits. We strive to grow in generosity so that our giving is a reflection of our desire to be in a covenant relationship with you. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Luke 14:25-33
September 15, 2019 – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Redeeming God, we know what it is like to be wandering in the wilderness like lost sheep. We remember your hand, like those of a caring shepherd, guiding us back to our home in you. We seek to help others experience this same spiritual nurture. So, we provide these financial gifts to be multiplied with other offerings. We are confident that these funds will inspire new ministries and reach the lost. We offer these gifts in name of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Luke 15:1-10
September 22, 2019 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Faithful One, you have entrusted us with so many gifts that are more important than worldly possessions. You have called us to be stewards of all that you have created. We strive to fulfill your call to be generous stewards by openly sharing the bounty you have placed under our care. We know that we visibly demonstrate our commitment to your work in this world by giving these tithes and offerings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 16:1-13
September 29, 2019 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Patient God, our ears listen attentively, yet our understanding is lacking. Our eyes look wide open, yet human suffering is squarely in front of us. Our hands stretch outward, yet remain listless. Our voice encourages others, yet remains silent to those in despair. Every day, we are faced with opportunities to respond. Forgive us. Awaken us. Encourage us. Call us again to respond by offering your salvation and your abundant life to others every day. We humbly place these gifts before you. Amen. Luke 16:19-31
October 6, 2019 –Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy One, you guide our lives with truth and love. You invite us to accept you with joy. Yet, challenges to live as your disciples come with this acceptance. Servant leadership can seem tedious. We struggle to balance our desire to serve ourselves first and your call to serve others first. We prayerfully present these tithes and offerings. May they symbolize our renewed commitment to holding you as the guiding leader of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 17:5-10
October 13, 2019 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of Healing, we thankfully acknowledge your infinite ability to reach out to those in need. You intimately know our personal storms and private challenges. You sent your Holy Son to restore and to mend our broken faith. We entrust these gifts to your care so that your reconciling love may be a beacon of hope for those in despair. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. Luke 17:11-19
October 20, 2019 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, as described in the Book of Jeremiah, you pour out your new covenant for your people. We rejoice in unison by sharing the messages you have written on our hearts. Salvation in Jesus Christ is the prosperity we need to proclaim to those searching for your mercy and love. Multiply these gifts so that ministries are provided with your people today who seek to be in a faithful relationship with you. Amen. Jeremiah 31:27-34
October 27, 2019 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Caring God, we humble ourselves today by returning the bounty you first shared with us back to your care. Without pretension or self-righteousness, we resolve to be slow to judge and ready to provide aid. We strive to increase our commitment to being thoughtful, generous people. Help us to be unassuming in our service but bold in our witness. We pray in the name of the one who served you here on Earth, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Luke 18:9-14
November 3, 2019 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Precious Lord, you remind us through Scripture that we, like Zacchaeus, are descendants of Abraham. We, too, are sinners in need of the redemptive love provided by Jesus. Yet, we take comfort as we are embraced in your arms and feel the warmth of your love radiating through this place of worship. We prayerfully ask that these gifts benefit your children who need to be blanketed in the safety and security of your tender care. In love and gratitude, we pray. Amen. Luke 19:1-10
November 10, 2019 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
God of all generations, pour out your goodness on this bounty so it multiplies according to your will. We rejoice in the teaching of Psalms as we strive to be more hopeful, merciful, and generous in our lives. We are committed to sharing your mighty acts with those in despair. We offer these gifts in thanksgiving and praise. May our ministry satisfy the thirsty across our community and world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Psalms 145: 1-5, 17-21
November 17, 2019 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Exalted Lord, how can we sufficiently prepare our hearts to stay firm in your love? We praise your name with songs and prayers, yet are we truly ready to stand on your promises and risk persecution for being a fully committed Christian? Are we devout to your will by the way we live and give? Our offertory response is one means of answering those questions. Thank you for this opportunity to dedicate these gifts as we become bold in our faith and slow in our judgment. Let your stream of living water flow from our lips as we share your Good News. Amen. Luke 21:5-19
November 24, 2019 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, you provide hope for our future. We join together in unison prayer knowing that you act as a loving parent who calms our worries and fears. You consistently give us truth unclouded by the good that you work in our hearts. Multiply these tithes and offerings so our hearts and our actions reflect your love. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Jeremiah 23:1-6
December 1, 2019 – First Sunday of Advent
God of the Advent, as we joyfully enter this time of waiting, we feel nestled and safe in your everlasting peace. You have taught us the paths and choices that lead to being in your Temple. We wait hushed in anticipation of the coming of your son. He serves as the guide of our lives and the shepherd of our souls. We hope to emulate his generosity and compassion as we share these gifts. Use these gifts so others can be blanketed with the warmth of your unconditional love, like a newborn baby wrapped in the loving arms of a parent. Amen. Isaiah 2:1-5
December 8, 2019 – Second Sunday of Advent
Lord of our life, the path to you is straight, yet we waiver in our behavior like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Our hopes and dreams often are self-serving and materialistic. We rush through this season buying gifts that we hope will convey just the right message. However, you invite us to ask ourselves if we are equally as busy preparing messages that proclaim the Good News to a hurting world. Through giving, remind us again, O God, of the baptismal covenant. This Advent, may we proclaim a message that is exemplified by our generosity, our kindness, and our prayers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Matthew 3:1-12
December 15, 2019 – Third Sunday of Advent
Redeeming God, you sent us your messenger, John the Baptist, to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of Christ. Multiply these gifts to echo his message of your greatness and glory. Open our ears to the needs of your people shrouded in depression and despair. Use our voices to tell your stories and to lead others into the community of Christian fellowship. Let our actions of faithful giving be a beacon of our complete devotion to your guidance in our lives. We pray to your glory forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 11:2-11
December 22, 2019 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Father, teach us how to listen for your call in our lives. Teach us how to be faithful stewards with the gifts you have entrusted to us. Teach us how to use this offering as a source of your ministry and mission. Teach us how to bow down on our knees and to spend time beholding the miracles all around us. In the name of the greatest teacher, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25
December 24, 2019 – Christmas Eve
Glory to God in the highest heaven! We praise your name with our offerings and tithes. We give these gifts in recognition of Jesus, a tiny babe who from humble birth was created great in your light. Thank you, Gracious God, for pure, unbounded love wrapped in clothes laying in a manger – a gift so great to share that it could not be contained. Let the joy we feel in our hearts overflow in unending praise. Amen. Luke 2:1-14
December 29, 2019 – First Sunday after Christmas
Compassionate God, your mercy and unfailing love are as constant as the rising sun. You offer us salvation and swaddle us in your Holy Word. You sent us the example of living and giving by sharing your son, Jesus Christ, and by asking us to follow his ways. We are now ready to follow those ways. We place upon your table the fruits of our labors as an outward sign of our commitment to your bounteous grace. We pray in the name of the one born in a stable, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen. Matthew 2:13-23
Copyright © 2018 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the following copyright notice appears: “Copyright © 2018 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.”
www.davidsbell.org
If the offering is returned by the ushers to the front, meet the ushers at the steps of the Chancel and take the plates to the Lord’s Table. Stand behind the Lord’s Table facing the congregation. During the prayer, you may continue to hold the plates, lifting them up during the prayer, or you may put the plates in the shelf in back of the Table.
This prayer may be of your own construction. The following are suggestions.1We dedicate this money, Lord, for the work of the church,
And we ask you to use all that we have
And all that we are in your service. Amen.
2Lord Jesus Christ, you were rich,
yet for our sake you became poor,
so that through your poverty we might become rich.
Accept this collection and offering
as a token of our gratitude
for all you have done. Amen.
3Help us who have received so freely from you
to give as freely in our turn,
and so have the pleasure of giving
as well as the happiness of receiving. Amen.
4Dear Lord, Creator of all things,
everything on earth is yours.
We have nothing that can make you richer,
for it all comes from you in the first place.
But what we have we bring –
the acknowledgment that we live thanks to you,
and that without you we have nothing and can do nothing.
Receive and bless these gifts for your holy work,
and bless those who give offer them to you. Amen.
5Dear Lord, we give back to you in thankfulness what you have given to us in kindness.
We acknowledge that the world and its resources are not ours but yours, and that you have put us in charge as your trustees.
Help us to exercise responsibly the authority you give us in your world.
Let Jesus your Son be the pattern for all our dealings with one another, and with the rest of creation.
Bless the gifts we now present back to you, so that they may be used in the work of your Kingdom on this earth.
6Almighty and merciful God,
from whom comes all that is good,
we praise you for your mercies,
for your goodness that has created us,
your grace that has sustained us,
your discipline that has corrected us,
your patience that has borne with us,
and your love that has redeemed us.
Help us to love you,
and to be thankful for all your gifts
by serving you and delighting to do your will,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
7 Adapted from the 1906 Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.: O most merciful and gracious God,
from whose open hand we all have received much:
We ask you to accept this offering of your people.
Remember in your love those who have brought it.
Remember also those persons and purp
oses for which it is given.
So follow this sacrifice with your blessing that it may promote peace and good will, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray; Amen.
Lord God, thank you for the blessings
you have given us year after year.
Help us to wisely use the time you have given us.
Lead us, while we remain here on earth,
to serve you through all the people around us
who are in need.
Amen.
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