CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our most gracious and wondrous Abba, Father, it is good to rejoice in your presence, to sing praises to your holy name; for no one, but you has known the universe from its beginning. You are the Alpha, the first, the beginning, the starting spark of all that is. We can do nothing without you. Even so, You have done more than create us, O Lord, you continually lavish upon us your compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love. The gift of the Christ child is one you offer to us each and everyday. He is so real to us on Christmas Eve as we welcome the tiny baby in the manger. We pray that we may wake up each morning of the new year to Christ’s very real presence in our lives; may his spirit empower us to be the loving, rejoicing, wide-eyed children of Christmas all year long. Let gladness shine in our hearts and good cheer resonate in our voices that we may be a blessing to all people. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The word Ceremony comes from the Latin word “caerimonia " meaning holy, sacred a reverent rite or ritual. We Americans are not known for standing on ceremony, however it is important to differentiate between ceremonies and rituals. For many watching the Rose Parade and Bowl game that follows is a ritual, but neither is deemed holy or sacred. Even those ceremonies that are meant to be holy and sacred, like weddings often take a back seat to the reception. Presenting our offerings is meant to be an act of reverence. Let us therefore stand on ceremony and make the act of giving holy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless these holy offerings. They are given reverently, and gratefully remembering all of the blessings you bestow upon us. May these gifts, the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need and glorify your mostly holy name. Daily we seek to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world, in Jesus Christ. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment