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, September 27, 2010

Offertory Prayers, October 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

October 3, 2010 -- Nineteenth 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 10, 2010 -- Twentieth 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 15:1-10)

October 17, 2010 -- Twenty-First 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 24, 2010 -- Twenty-Second 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.)

October 31, 2010 -- Twenty-Third 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.)

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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