CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, help us always to see your best intentions for each of us in every moment of every day. When we are suddenly overwhelmed with the burdens we carry each day, help us to let go of matters and circumstances over which we have no information or control. Guide our feet as we move forward in an effort to do all we can to bring about your kingdom upon the earth. We confess our moments of frustration when the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel seems to elude our eyes. When we are stymied by a problem for which there seems to be no immediate solution, or when we are caught off guard by an urgent call for help, calm our hearts and minds. Help us, O Lord, to focus on your presence with us however we can perceive it. Let us feel you near enfolding us in your comforting embrace, whispering the word “Yes” and nourishing our spirits on your eternal goodwill. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
How many of us use cash anymore to pay for things. We slide debit cards, and credit cards. Some folks are even smart enough to use their phones to pay for stuff, right there, at the cash register! I haven’t figured that out yet. I guess it’s faster and easier to find the phone in your pocket than rummaging for paper bills and coins. I wonder if we have any idea what we pay for stuff anymore. What do you pay for your cell phone plan? Do you have the cheapest plan, that $50 a month plan — plus taxes, fees and monthly device payment? We don’t have one of those bar code swiping machines, but If I asked you to put your smart phone in the offering plate with all of its apps, and extras, minutes, texts, taxes, fees and monthly device payment, do you know how much you would you be giving to the church offering? Even 1/2 of the cost of your monthly cell phone plan would be more than many give to the church in a year. This ushers will now come forward to collect your cell phones.
(Offertory prayer is adapted from John Wesley's Sermon #50 "The Use of Money")
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord we are bold to praise your name and say that money blessed is a friend to the children of light. It is an excellent gift and answers the noblest ends. In our hands most gracious One, let it be food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked. May it give to the traveler and the stranger a place to lay their heads. Cause us to understand that by this we may supply the place of a husband to a widow, and a father to the fatherless. By these gifts we may be a defense for the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, a means of ease to those in pain. These gifts may be as eyes to the blind, as feet to the lame; even a lifter up from the gates of death! Bless these excellent gifts, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.**
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