Table of contents
SOUTHPORT BAPTIST CHURCH
A Southern Baptist Church anchored
in the hope of God through Jesus Christ
November 1, 2015 | 10:00 AM
Welcome and Announcements
Morning Hymn – #456 “How Firm A Foundation”
Choir Special – “I Can Only Imagine”
Meet and Greet
Praise Songs
Offertory Prayer – Pastor Gene Tomlinson
Worshiping with Tithes and Offerings to the Lord
Offertory – Betty Combee
Children Excused For:
Children’s Church: Ages 4-7
Sanctuary 101: Ages 8-11
Message – Pastor Gene Tomlinson
“Commands of Jesus”
Invitational Song – #433 “I Surrender All”
Closing Prayer/Benediction – Pastor Gene Tomlinson
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www.southportbaptist.org
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.”
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