CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Merciful God, when you look upon us, your sons and daughters, what do you see? Do you see us as eager to serve you and your creation? Do you see us as those who want to invest not only our heart, soul, mind and strength, but our wealth for the good of all? Or do you see us as spoiled children who can’t see beyond our own needs and wants? Forgive us now, as we confess being duped by scams and schemes and too-good-to-be-true sales pitches that promise us ease, safety, wealth, beauty and a perfect life. We get frustrated with ourselves when we realize we have fallen for such nonsense. And now we confess our fear of those most in need who seem to lack the common sense to protect themselves from the empty-promise-makers. When we look in the mirror we don’t see uncaring people, lacking compassion, just a bit anxious. By your magnificent goodwill, don’t let us resign ourselves to the idea that human suffering is inevitable and the problems that cause it are unsolvable. Lead us one step at a time from impossible to possible. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
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. (Adapted from John Wesley’s Sermon #50 on “The Use Of Money”)
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