CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and loving God thank you for knowing us inside and out, and for hearing our prayer. We cry out to you for help and relief from distress and you hear us. You are willing always to absolve us of our sin, working diligently to take away the pain and regret we carry within our hearts. We confess our tendency to keep lists of our sins as if we are saving them up in some special dark place. Your unfathomable grace is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be used as an excuse to sin. And yet when we falter or fail, you refuse to remember our sins or remained fixed upon them. You call us to move on in and by your grace. Give us hearts as unstoppable and courageous as the Apostles. Let us believe that the work we accomplish in Jesus’ name brings glory to your most holy name. Thank You, again, for everything. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing you do seems to go right. It starts when a glob of green toothpaste drops onto your white blouse or you nick yourself shaving. You spill your 4 dollar Starbucks al over your shoes when some impatient 20 something honks at you for being in his way. The gas pump won’t take your debit card and you are late for an appointment. When you get to the appointment the office is closed and you find out it was yesterday when you check the 5 messages on your cellphone. You become aware of an ever escalating headache and you wonder if it is this incessant wind, persistent allergies, stress or Meningitis. You suddenly realize it is 9:40 AM on Sunday and church is just around the corner. Phew! That’s just one reason to keep us here.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are well aware, dearest Lord, that there is nothing we can offer in material wealth that compares to all that you have bestowed upon us. The psalmist declares that you prefer a contrite heart to burnt offerings. The gifts we offer are meant to carry on the work of the unstoppable Apostles. Empower these gifts and us to spread the good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray.
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