January 12, 2014 "FIRST THINGS FIRST"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God, Light of our World and Song of our Soul, we come into your presence with anticipation. Our hope is in you, Lord, that you have heard our prayers and will consider our petitions. We confess that we can get caught up in asking you to fix the things that are broken in our lives, forgetting to celebrate all that you have already mended. As we follow the journeys and encounters of your Christ, in the days ahead, help us to see how we can be better disciples and better ambassadors of your love, mercy and goodwill. Give us the courage to stand up for what is right, to speak truthfully and without rancor. When our ideas, proposals or motives are misunderstood, give us the patience and the ability to clarify our intentions. Remind us, O Lord, that our every effort must be to edify Christ’s church in today’s world, for all people in all places and all circumstances of life. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
First things first is a phrase our parents and teachers used so very often so we wouldn’t get ahead of ourselves when making an important decision or working to accomplish a task. Builders will say: “Measure twice and you will only have to cut once.” Before you decide to buy a car, you need a license to drive one. You must then decide what your vehicle will be used for, what it will cost in monthly payments and what the insurance will cost. All of these factors go into determining what you can afford. When Matthew’s Jesus and John the Baptist met at the Jordan, Jesus encouraged John to take things one step at a time. First things First in other words. Let us pray not to get ahead of ourselves and do what is necessary today to follow Jesus Christ.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are grateful for your blessings gracious God, particularly the life and love of Jesus Christ who leads us with righteousness and shows us the way of salvation. We offer these gifts with cheerful and grateful hearts remembering Christ’s loving sacrifice. Pour out your blessing upon these gifts. Turn our mammon into marvelous deeds, of mercy and goodwill. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.