Offertory Prayers for December 2010

The GBOD has published Offertory Prayers for December written by David Bell.

December 5, 2010 -- 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 12, 2010 -- 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 19, 2010 -- 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, 2010 -- 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 26, 2010 -- 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.)

Written by David S. Bell, Vice-President of Stewardship with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan and Senior Design Partner with Design Group International™. You may contact him by visiting www.DavidSBell.org.

Copyright © 2010 David S. Bell. Used with permission. 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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