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, November 1, 2010

Offertory Prayers, November 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

November 7, 2010 — Twenty-Fourth 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 14, 2010 — Twenty-Fifth 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 21, 2010 — Christ the King Sunday (Twenty-Sixth 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.)

November 28, 2010 — 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.)

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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