Meeting And Remembering
Prayer
SUSTAINED TO SERVE
Communion And Offering Prayers
Redeeming God, Creator of all, we thank you for this day and the joy of this fellowship.
We especially thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ.
As we meet at this table, we remember him, his life, and his ministry.
Cleanse our hearts, O God, and awake in us a renewed spirit and desire for your guidance.
May we be messengers of your love and light to all people.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Bringing Everything To The Table
Divine God, who receives us as we are, we accept your invitation to surround your table, bringing many things.
We now give to you any tension of jobs left undone, senses of loss in our lives, and concerns about death or pain.
Share with us, too, joy and laughter.
We're uneasy knowing there are those who wish to terrorize and we are anguished for victims of such acts.
As we partake of the bread and cup, remind us that you, too, carried a heavy load to the cross and now in victory beyond, you carry for us whatever we are willing to leave here.
Help us rearrange fragmented feelings into a collage of hope, direction, and discovery.
Rid us of anything that would separate us from you and create in us clean hearts, O God.
We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, for whom we are so thankful. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
But, Don't Forget Your Luggage
Accepting God of Love, we, your people, bring many things to your table -- uncertainties, despair, conflict in relationships, conflict of our will and your will, pain of loss, and joy of new beginnings.
We are amazed that you want us with whatever baggage we carry, but, we are here.
As we partake of this bread and cup, remind us that Jesus experienced all the feelings that we do, including despair and the ecstasy of resolve through resurrection.
We accept the sacrifice of your Son and these emblems in remembrance.
Although we find it difficult to understand your unconditional grace, we offer ourselves to you.
Hold us, embrace us, assure us.
We pray in the name of our Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Loved And Amazed
Almighty Source of Love and Life, we praise you.
We are at this table to remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
We remember, too, the memory verse learned so early in childhood, "God is love."
Then, surely, love is God.
Is it possible, Lord, that the pacifying warmth I feel when reading a message from a faraway friend is you?
And, if I should share something for a starving stranger's meal or open my door to a troubled friend, could that possibly be you, too?
It seems like such a small thing, considering what you sacrificed for us.
We hold that sacrifice in full view as we partake of the bread and the wine.
Forgive us, Lord, when our amazement that you could live through us directs us toward the magnificent and past the obvious opportunities.
May we willingly receive you, then easily and openly release your love to others. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
God's Management With Ease
Sovereign God of Order and Love, forgive us when we behave as though we are all powerful.
We at times feel scattered and frazzled as we deal with daily demands, O Lord, yet, you run a whole universe from meteors to microorganisms with relative ease.
Recognize our needs, O God, and remind us in the calm of these moments that we need not bear the weight of our worlds alone.
Grant us your quieting strength as we partake of the bread and cup which symbolize Jesus' death and resurrection.
O God, we accept your grace.
We seek your support and direction in our lives as we remember with grateful hearts Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Gratefully Remembering
Eternal God and Creator of us all, we come before you in this sacred hour of communion with gratitude.
We partake of these emblems with grateful remembrance of your Son, of his perfect life, and of his death on the cross.
May we examine our hearts, striving to be worthy followers of him.
Give us the willingness and courage to serve you and the love to be forgiving.
Speak to us at this, your table, that we may have life abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Refueled
We thank you, O God, for this table to which we come, recalling our Lord whose body was broken and whose blood was shed that we might have life.
We are grateful that we can leave the turmoil of the past week and gather here to gain strength for the days ahead.
Let the emblems speak to us of redemption from sin and life eternal which we know through him whose life, death, and resurrection are represented here.
Give us strength to face temptation, courage to meet adversities, and forgiveness for our failures.
May we always be mindful of your goodness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Companion God
O God, we are reverent and humble as we come to this communion table.
We recognize our need for you in all our days and seek your mercy and grace.
We pray that we may ever be humble in your sight and obedient to your directing our lives.
Cleanse our hearts as we prepare to eat this bread and drink this cup which are symbols of Jesus' giving, even unto death.
Help us know a companionship with you that we may truly honor your name which is above every name.
Forgive our unrighteousness and let your joy and peace be with us always.
In the name of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
God's Roving Care
Almighty Source of Thought and Emotion, forgive us when we seek to limit you to our personal concepts of what you should be.
We don't easily comprehend a love with no boundaries.
Sustain us with the assurance that we can never be outside your care.
Come to us now; stay with us.
We need you here as we partake of this bread and cup, the emblems of your greatest sacrifice for us.
We receive you, Lord, and thank you for limitless salvation.
May the vision of the Living Christ remove any fear of sharing, and may we open ourselves to be instruments of your love.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Thankfully Receiving And Serving
O God, who are perfect love, we meet you at this table wanting to know you better and love you more.
We recognize your majesty, yet sense your intimate touch, and although we don't understand how or why, we know you are truly with us and in us.
Help us by faith to accept your grace and in your loving embrace this moment, may scattered lives be re-centered.
We receive this bread and cup, symbols of Christ's broken body, realizing the loaf is useless if never broken.
We receive, too, your grace.
We give thanks.
And, just as the bread is broken, we open ourselves to go forth and serve.
As we receive your unconditional love, may we be willing to extend that same undemanding openness to others, even the unlovable.
We pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Invitation Accepted
O Divine One who is forever near, as we remember you, help us recall, too, that this is your table, that the invitation is yours.
Forgive us our sins, O Lord, and remind us of our blessings.
You have given us daily bread, yet some starve for your goodness and mercy.
Teach us to nourish others as you nourish us.
As we partake of these emblems, knead into our hearts truth and righteousness.
Leaven us with faith, peace, and encouragement that we might rise to heights of service in your name.
And, God, may thirsty ones never have to search for a vessel from which to drink.
Fill us, Lord, with your light and beauty, flavored with willingness to be poured out for a world in need of refreshing.
We pray in the name of the saving, risen Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Giving Unlimited
Giving God, we acknowledge our many blessings and realize your potential to give is far greater than we can imagine.
We are confronted, both personally and as a church, with financial decisions -- how to cover costs of things we believe to be necessities and wanting more of what we know are not necessities.
We ask you, Lord, for guidance and insights to best use our resources and for forgiveness when we embrace selfishness.
We bring tithes and offerings not as a public display of what we have, but as a symbol of what we are willing to share.
You hold nothing back from us, God, and may we, created in your image, reach for our giving potential.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your ultimate gift. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
When Times Are Tough
Source of All Blessings, we offer ourselves, including our money, to you.
We return these offerings to you through the channels of your church.
Lord, watch over our giving, our use of the gifts, and our acceptance of how amounts given affect our activities and comfort here in your house, also.
May we deal with that reality in maturity and love such as that with which you would deal with us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, giver of salvation. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Setting Priorities
Loving Lord, we put so much time and energy into acquiring and preserving material possessions, things that can so quickly be destroyed.
Yet, when they are gone, the sun still rises, seasons change, flowers continue blooming, friends' laughter renews us, and life breathes within us.
Essential things are not seen by our eyes, nor are they in our control.
You, Lord, are our strength; you sustain us.
We pray that our focus on you and your sovereignty, O God, will free us to share all you have given us.
Bless these gifts and the givers to your service.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Awakened To Give
Eternal Source of Blessing, may we, with these gifts, make a difference for Christ in our community and world.
May we know the strength, joy, and peace of surrender, the love and fellowship from each other, and the happy experience of worship that we share here.
We want to have an awakened faith, and we know this family will become increasingly great as we rejoice in our giving.
Thankfully we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Reaping The Sown
Gracious and glorious God, you have given us life and everything necessary to sustain it.
Forgive us, Lord, when we anticipate harvest without planting.
Have mercy when we envision full warehouses without imagining toil.
Weed from our hearts attitudes that selfishly blind us from the glare of others'Êneeds.
And, cultivate us with vision and passion to see ways of sharing our plenty so our community and world might know the joy and peace of your love.
Lord, receive our offerings and adoration.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
No Other Gods?
Covenanting God of Abraham and Moses, you are the Lord our God and we shall have no other gods before you.
God of Creation, we are in your image, yet somehow imagine that material things accumulated make us what we are.
You are the Balm of Gilead, but we go shopping to feel better.
You are the Rock of Ages, but our trust is in the stock market.1
Everlasting Provider, you give us life's meaning in family time, quality relationships, time at church, time to volunteer.
Forgive us when those things are pushed aside for corporate enslavement as we idolize mammon.2
We ask your help in putting aside rival gods as we present these offerings.
May we be reminded not to use people and worship things, but to use things and value people.
May our faith be in you, Jehovah. We pray in the name of the Son you sent us, O God of salvation. Amen.
____________
1.ÊInspired by the choir anthem, He Is Jehovah, Betty Jean Robinson, arr. by Gary Rhodes, copyright 1982 and arrangement copyright 1985. Jehovah-Jireh Music/ASCP.
2.ÊThoughts from "A Conversation with Jim Wallis," ALIVE NOW January/February, 1997.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
When Available Funds Dwindle
Source of All Blessing, we offer ourselves, including our money, by returning offerings to you through the channels of your church.
Lord, watch over our giving and use of the gifts. Keep us alert to the knowledge of how the amount we give affects potential ministries for you, as well as our comfort here in this, your church.
May we deal with that reality in maturity and love such as that with which you deal with us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, giver of salvation. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Impact Of Giving
O God, we have observed how badly the world needs what Christ can give.
Our gifts this morning express our strong feeling that we need to seek to make an impact for truth and life.
We ask that you accept our giving, in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
No Dues Necessary
Gracious friend God, no payment is required to enter your house.
But, at your invitation, we've been received as guests.
We've at times been amused, we've been diverted from outside stresses and demands, and we cherish memories of times together here.
Lord, you have presented yourself to us wholly without restraint, yet you give us the option of presenting offerings to you.
Forgive us, Lord, when we see these moments as a routine intermission.
Help us grasp within us this expression which is, indeed, a deepening strengthening part of our worship.
Accept money offered and accept us, O God, for we want to live for you in service of yours even as Christ sacrificed for us. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Yearning To Care
O God, Source of all that we have and are, we praise you.
We, at this moment, reflect on the many good things in our lives.
Help us not push out of our hearing the cries of the hungry and lonely.
But, instead, let us feel a yearning to love and care for all your people.
Offering our monetary gifts is one way we express our desire to share.
Please accept these gifts, O Lord.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Setting Investment Priorities
Ever-present Holy One, we expect you always to be near when we call upon you.
May we be sensitive to the importance of keeping Sabbath -- some part of our week for you.1
We are surrounded with your gifts -- nature, air to breathe, sunshine to warm, rain to replenish, health, and the capacity to love and be loved.
May we be sensitive to the importance of giving, not the leftovers, but the cream of the crop, to you in this time of worship, so that your importance will be reflected in our lives.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
____________
1.ÊKim Martin Sadler, Editor, The Book of Daily Prayer, United Church Press, p. 152.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Blinded By Sights
Eternal Source of Inspiration, you sometimes place things in our line of vision that we don't really want to see.
We wonder how we can lift up enough joy to offset the pain you share with so many of your children.
We lift up to you this day these offerings, symbols of our dedication to your service, knowing that all the world's misery cannot be relieved, but believing, with your help, O God, that someone's hurt can be healed.
We pray for your presence with those who have given, with those who will make decisions about the use of the gifts, and with those whose needs might be lessened.
Reveal your way to us and use us now, Lord.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who gave all. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Privileged And Committed
God, our friend and confidant, we thank you for the privilege of giving.
We thank you for your generosity in meeting our needs.
Touch our lives as we commit ourselves as your stewards.
Accept these, our gifts, given for the furthering of your Realm.
In Jesus'Êname we pray. Amen.
We especially thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ.
As we meet at this table, we remember him, his life, and his ministry.
Cleanse our hearts, O God, and awake in us a renewed spirit and desire for your guidance.
May we be messengers of your love and light to all people.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Bringing Everything To The Table
Divine God, who receives us as we are, we accept your invitation to surround your table, bringing many things.
We now give to you any tension of jobs left undone, senses of loss in our lives, and concerns about death or pain.
Share with us, too, joy and laughter.
We're uneasy knowing there are those who wish to terrorize and we are anguished for victims of such acts.
As we partake of the bread and cup, remind us that you, too, carried a heavy load to the cross and now in victory beyond, you carry for us whatever we are willing to leave here.
Help us rearrange fragmented feelings into a collage of hope, direction, and discovery.
Rid us of anything that would separate us from you and create in us clean hearts, O God.
We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, for whom we are so thankful. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
But, Don't Forget Your Luggage
Accepting God of Love, we, your people, bring many things to your table -- uncertainties, despair, conflict in relationships, conflict of our will and your will, pain of loss, and joy of new beginnings.
We are amazed that you want us with whatever baggage we carry, but, we are here.
As we partake of this bread and cup, remind us that Jesus experienced all the feelings that we do, including despair and the ecstasy of resolve through resurrection.
We accept the sacrifice of your Son and these emblems in remembrance.
Although we find it difficult to understand your unconditional grace, we offer ourselves to you.
Hold us, embrace us, assure us.
We pray in the name of our Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Loved And Amazed
Almighty Source of Love and Life, we praise you.
We are at this table to remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
We remember, too, the memory verse learned so early in childhood, "God is love."
Then, surely, love is God.
Is it possible, Lord, that the pacifying warmth I feel when reading a message from a faraway friend is you?
And, if I should share something for a starving stranger's meal or open my door to a troubled friend, could that possibly be you, too?
It seems like such a small thing, considering what you sacrificed for us.
We hold that sacrifice in full view as we partake of the bread and the wine.
Forgive us, Lord, when our amazement that you could live through us directs us toward the magnificent and past the obvious opportunities.
May we willingly receive you, then easily and openly release your love to others. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
God's Management With Ease
Sovereign God of Order and Love, forgive us when we behave as though we are all powerful.
We at times feel scattered and frazzled as we deal with daily demands, O Lord, yet, you run a whole universe from meteors to microorganisms with relative ease.
Recognize our needs, O God, and remind us in the calm of these moments that we need not bear the weight of our worlds alone.
Grant us your quieting strength as we partake of the bread and cup which symbolize Jesus' death and resurrection.
O God, we accept your grace.
We seek your support and direction in our lives as we remember with grateful hearts Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Gratefully Remembering
Eternal God and Creator of us all, we come before you in this sacred hour of communion with gratitude.
We partake of these emblems with grateful remembrance of your Son, of his perfect life, and of his death on the cross.
May we examine our hearts, striving to be worthy followers of him.
Give us the willingness and courage to serve you and the love to be forgiving.
Speak to us at this, your table, that we may have life abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Refueled
We thank you, O God, for this table to which we come, recalling our Lord whose body was broken and whose blood was shed that we might have life.
We are grateful that we can leave the turmoil of the past week and gather here to gain strength for the days ahead.
Let the emblems speak to us of redemption from sin and life eternal which we know through him whose life, death, and resurrection are represented here.
Give us strength to face temptation, courage to meet adversities, and forgiveness for our failures.
May we always be mindful of your goodness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Companion God
O God, we are reverent and humble as we come to this communion table.
We recognize our need for you in all our days and seek your mercy and grace.
We pray that we may ever be humble in your sight and obedient to your directing our lives.
Cleanse our hearts as we prepare to eat this bread and drink this cup which are symbols of Jesus' giving, even unto death.
Help us know a companionship with you that we may truly honor your name which is above every name.
Forgive our unrighteousness and let your joy and peace be with us always.
In the name of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
God's Roving Care
Almighty Source of Thought and Emotion, forgive us when we seek to limit you to our personal concepts of what you should be.
We don't easily comprehend a love with no boundaries.
Sustain us with the assurance that we can never be outside your care.
Come to us now; stay with us.
We need you here as we partake of this bread and cup, the emblems of your greatest sacrifice for us.
We receive you, Lord, and thank you for limitless salvation.
May the vision of the Living Christ remove any fear of sharing, and may we open ourselves to be instruments of your love.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Thankfully Receiving And Serving
O God, who are perfect love, we meet you at this table wanting to know you better and love you more.
We recognize your majesty, yet sense your intimate touch, and although we don't understand how or why, we know you are truly with us and in us.
Help us by faith to accept your grace and in your loving embrace this moment, may scattered lives be re-centered.
We receive this bread and cup, symbols of Christ's broken body, realizing the loaf is useless if never broken.
We receive, too, your grace.
We give thanks.
And, just as the bread is broken, we open ourselves to go forth and serve.
As we receive your unconditional love, may we be willing to extend that same undemanding openness to others, even the unlovable.
We pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Invitation Accepted
O Divine One who is forever near, as we remember you, help us recall, too, that this is your table, that the invitation is yours.
Forgive us our sins, O Lord, and remind us of our blessings.
You have given us daily bread, yet some starve for your goodness and mercy.
Teach us to nourish others as you nourish us.
As we partake of these emblems, knead into our hearts truth and righteousness.
Leaven us with faith, peace, and encouragement that we might rise to heights of service in your name.
And, God, may thirsty ones never have to search for a vessel from which to drink.
Fill us, Lord, with your light and beauty, flavored with willingness to be poured out for a world in need of refreshing.
We pray in the name of the saving, risen Christ. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Giving Unlimited
Giving God, we acknowledge our many blessings and realize your potential to give is far greater than we can imagine.
We are confronted, both personally and as a church, with financial decisions -- how to cover costs of things we believe to be necessities and wanting more of what we know are not necessities.
We ask you, Lord, for guidance and insights to best use our resources and for forgiveness when we embrace selfishness.
We bring tithes and offerings not as a public display of what we have, but as a symbol of what we are willing to share.
You hold nothing back from us, God, and may we, created in your image, reach for our giving potential.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your ultimate gift. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
When Times Are Tough
Source of All Blessings, we offer ourselves, including our money, to you.
We return these offerings to you through the channels of your church.
Lord, watch over our giving, our use of the gifts, and our acceptance of how amounts given affect our activities and comfort here in your house, also.
May we deal with that reality in maturity and love such as that with which you would deal with us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, giver of salvation. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Setting Priorities
Loving Lord, we put so much time and energy into acquiring and preserving material possessions, things that can so quickly be destroyed.
Yet, when they are gone, the sun still rises, seasons change, flowers continue blooming, friends' laughter renews us, and life breathes within us.
Essential things are not seen by our eyes, nor are they in our control.
You, Lord, are our strength; you sustain us.
We pray that our focus on you and your sovereignty, O God, will free us to share all you have given us.
Bless these gifts and the givers to your service.
In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Awakened To Give
Eternal Source of Blessing, may we, with these gifts, make a difference for Christ in our community and world.
May we know the strength, joy, and peace of surrender, the love and fellowship from each other, and the happy experience of worship that we share here.
We want to have an awakened faith, and we know this family will become increasingly great as we rejoice in our giving.
Thankfully we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Reaping The Sown
Gracious and glorious God, you have given us life and everything necessary to sustain it.
Forgive us, Lord, when we anticipate harvest without planting.
Have mercy when we envision full warehouses without imagining toil.
Weed from our hearts attitudes that selfishly blind us from the glare of others'Êneeds.
And, cultivate us with vision and passion to see ways of sharing our plenty so our community and world might know the joy and peace of your love.
Lord, receive our offerings and adoration.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
No Other Gods?
Covenanting God of Abraham and Moses, you are the Lord our God and we shall have no other gods before you.
God of Creation, we are in your image, yet somehow imagine that material things accumulated make us what we are.
You are the Balm of Gilead, but we go shopping to feel better.
You are the Rock of Ages, but our trust is in the stock market.1
Everlasting Provider, you give us life's meaning in family time, quality relationships, time at church, time to volunteer.
Forgive us when those things are pushed aside for corporate enslavement as we idolize mammon.2
We ask your help in putting aside rival gods as we present these offerings.
May we be reminded not to use people and worship things, but to use things and value people.
May our faith be in you, Jehovah. We pray in the name of the Son you sent us, O God of salvation. Amen.
____________
1.ÊInspired by the choir anthem, He Is Jehovah, Betty Jean Robinson, arr. by Gary Rhodes, copyright 1982 and arrangement copyright 1985. Jehovah-Jireh Music/ASCP.
2.ÊThoughts from "A Conversation with Jim Wallis," ALIVE NOW January/February, 1997.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
When Available Funds Dwindle
Source of All Blessing, we offer ourselves, including our money, by returning offerings to you through the channels of your church.
Lord, watch over our giving and use of the gifts. Keep us alert to the knowledge of how the amount we give affects potential ministries for you, as well as our comfort here in this, your church.
May we deal with that reality in maturity and love such as that with which you deal with us.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, giver of salvation. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Impact Of Giving
O God, we have observed how badly the world needs what Christ can give.
Our gifts this morning express our strong feeling that we need to seek to make an impact for truth and life.
We ask that you accept our giving, in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
No Dues Necessary
Gracious friend God, no payment is required to enter your house.
But, at your invitation, we've been received as guests.
We've at times been amused, we've been diverted from outside stresses and demands, and we cherish memories of times together here.
Lord, you have presented yourself to us wholly without restraint, yet you give us the option of presenting offerings to you.
Forgive us, Lord, when we see these moments as a routine intermission.
Help us grasp within us this expression which is, indeed, a deepening strengthening part of our worship.
Accept money offered and accept us, O God, for we want to live for you in service of yours even as Christ sacrificed for us. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Yearning To Care
O God, Source of all that we have and are, we praise you.
We, at this moment, reflect on the many good things in our lives.
Help us not push out of our hearing the cries of the hungry and lonely.
But, instead, let us feel a yearning to love and care for all your people.
Offering our monetary gifts is one way we express our desire to share.
Please accept these gifts, O Lord.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Setting Investment Priorities
Ever-present Holy One, we expect you always to be near when we call upon you.
May we be sensitive to the importance of keeping Sabbath -- some part of our week for you.1
We are surrounded with your gifts -- nature, air to breathe, sunshine to warm, rain to replenish, health, and the capacity to love and be loved.
May we be sensitive to the importance of giving, not the leftovers, but the cream of the crop, to you in this time of worship, so that your importance will be reflected in our lives.
We pray in Christ's name. Amen.
____________
1.ÊKim Martin Sadler, Editor, The Book of Daily Prayer, United Church Press, p. 152.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Blinded By Sights
Eternal Source of Inspiration, you sometimes place things in our line of vision that we don't really want to see.
We wonder how we can lift up enough joy to offset the pain you share with so many of your children.
We lift up to you this day these offerings, symbols of our dedication to your service, knowing that all the world's misery cannot be relieved, but believing, with your help, O God, that someone's hurt can be healed.
We pray for your presence with those who have given, with those who will make decisions about the use of the gifts, and with those whose needs might be lessened.
Reveal your way to us and use us now, Lord.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who gave all. Amen.
SUSTAINED TO SERVE ...
Privileged And Committed
God, our friend and confidant, we thank you for the privilege of giving.
We thank you for your generosity in meeting our needs.
Touch our lives as we commit ourselves as your stewards.
Accept these, our gifts, given for the furthering of your Realm.
In Jesus'Êname we pray. Amen.
