Using the resources of "Uniting in Worship", "Chalice Hymnal" and The Iona song as a response, here is an offeratory and pastoral prayer I wrote for this morning's service which was focussing on our spiritual discipline of managing our money:
Lord Jesus, we offer our thanks and praise for all you have done and revealed to us:
For the splendor of creation that was called into being through you.
For the minerals, plants and animals that sustain our life.
For the wonder of life itself.
For the span and changing seasons of our human lives – a life you entered into.
For the ministry of “exercising dominion” over creation that you entrusted to us.
May we be stewards of this world in a way that honors you as Lord of lords.
Silence
He became poor, that we may be rich,
loving the world and leaving his throne;
King of all kings and Lord of all lords,
flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.
Lord Jesus, We pray for the affluent in developed countries that we may not succumb to materialism.
Help us to discover our worth in terms of who we are and what we can become as people, rather than in what we own or consume.
We pray for the poor, the exploited, the threatened of our world, that they would not be dispossessed of their inheritance from you.
May we work for justice, equity and equality in a way that honors you as Lord of lords.
Silence
He became poor, that we may be rich…
Lord Jesus, We pray for the sick, the grieving and the lonely that they may know your healing and comfort.
May we not remain unmoved, but let compassion stir us into loving action.
Just as you left you heavenly throne and gave yourself to us,
help us discover that giving money is never a substitute for giving of ourselves, in ways that honor you as Lord of lords.
Silence
He became poor, that we may be rich…
Lord Jesus, we offer these gifts of money for the work of your church and the welfare of your people.
We acknowledge with gratitude that we could give nothing if you had not first given to us.
We recognise that what we have not brought today has also been entrusted to us from you,
may we spend it, save it, share it
in a way that honors you as Lord of lords.
Silence
He became poor, that we may be rich…
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