CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most attentive and loving God, today we are challenged to be people of courage to stand firm against the forces of evil and greed that prey upon the innocent, the oppressed and the desperate people longing to be free of the chains that bind them. We are not speaking of figurative chains, but the literal chains that enslave poor men, women and children who, lured, undocumented, kidnapped, trafficked, imprisoned, and ultimately discarded. Give us the wits and good sense to protect the world’s children, and each other from the wiles of those who care not for you or any part of your creation. Our hearts and minds long to see right prevail, so teach us the ways of justice. In Jesus name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
United Methodist congregations are not isolated congregations, managing our own affairs, tending to our own business, and our own needs, first, with nary a thought to the church up the street or across the state or even on the other side of the world. Let us be aware that this congregations is blessed with devoted members who came from distant places throughout the world. We are stronger, better, spiritually richer, and more colorful, because they have blended their spirits and experiences with ours. Let us embrace our human relations on this Human Relations Sunday.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. With grateful, and expectant hearts we seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May these gifts blessed by your most Holy Spirit bring relief, comfort, and rescue to your children in need throughout the world. Let us help to carry the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to be living proof of Christ’s love for all the world. Amen.
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