Gracious God, from everlasting to everlasting you are God, the Sovereign of the Universe who has bestowed us blessings, honor and invitation. We enter into this time of prayer opening ourselves to a moment of profound spiritual connection with you. We do not take this time of worship lightly or for granted. We do not dismiss it as Sunday routine. We understand and comprehend that hundreds or hearts are beating, hundreds of tongues speaking the same words, and each one carries burdens different from our own. We pray this day to be always prepared for your call to action in ministry. Keep us attentive, not to one another’s flaws, but to each other’s needs. Empower us to help one another, to share as we can, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
I have taken some liberties with the expansion of the OT scripture passage. Joshua, who is trying valiantly to fill Moses’ shoes, tells the Israelites—in essence— it’s time to fish or cut bait regarding their commitment to God. You can’t hang onto and serve the gods from Egypt or beyond the river. You can’t serve the gods of your ancestors, or the gods of the Amorites, just because that happens to be where you are currently living, all the time saying, out of the other side of your mouths, that you serve Yahweh. You can’t go around trying to cover all of your divinity bases, not sure if the one who created you and rescued you from slavery is going to be the one who remains and sustains you. Three times Joshua challenges the Israelites: “Choose whom you will serve.” Their wishy-washy responses acknowledge how terrific God has been, but there is no commitment in their words until Joshua says: “You are witnesses against yourselves.” Now put your commitment where your mouth is.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God these gifts are an act of worship as important as praying, singing, and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through our gifts, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much, we respond in kind, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.
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