It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Offertory Prayers August 2010

GBOD continues to deliver the full text of each month's offertory prayers via email. You may also find the Offertory Prayers online at www.GBOD.org

August 1, 2010 -- Tenth 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 8, 2010 -- Eleventh 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 heart's 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 15, 2010 -- Twelfth 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 22, 2010 -- Thirteenth 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)

August 29, 2010 - Fourteenth 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)


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

Copyright © 2010 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, or any United Methodist organization may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the author is cited.

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