Offertory Prayers — DavidSBell.org

Copyright © 2024 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of affiliation, may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the following copyright notice appears: "Copyright © 2024 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org."

March 24, 2024 – Palm Sunday

Blessed Lord, we are moved to be your faithful disciples. Like the palms laid long ago in honor of your Son, we present these gifts for your reverent design. We proclaim that your sovereign existence will transform the lives of all who believe in your Son, Jesus Christ. Hosanna in the Highest! Amen. Mark 11:1-11

March 28, 2024 – Maundy Thursday

Heavenly Father, you are the true master of our lives. By humbly washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of Christian servitude. We are now called to be your servants and to love each other as we have been loved by Jesus. May these gifts serve as a vessel to wash away fear and distrust and bathe your children in love. Amen. John 13:1-17, 31b-35

March 29, 2024 – Good Friday

God of the Crucified Jesus, we are struck on this Good Friday by the brutal reality that Jesus knowingly, willingly, and obediently gave up his earthly life on a cross. He offered the ultimate sacrifice at Golgatha, the Place of the Skull, so that we may be redeemed by his blood. We now humbly give our financial resources. These monetary gifts are a mere gesture of sacrifice in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice. Yet, we give with the hope of being washed in his blood. Amen. John 18:1-19:42

March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday

Majestic One, today we celebrate the miracle that was created for all who are ready to receive. Your absolute decree of the Risen Son reminds us that our faith is connected intimately to your amazing, unwavering love. The unconditional love that you repeatedly uplift is our reminder to love all of your children. Multiply these gifts so the promises of a seemingly distant heaven become more of a reality on Earth. Glory Hallelujah! Amen and amen. Mark 16:1-8

April 7, 2024 – Second Sunday of Easter

Holy One, we do not doubt that Jesus, the Messiah, lives again. Yet, only one short week from Easter, our thoughts are cluttered with finite, insignificant activities and agendas. Instead of remaining focused on the abundance of divine transformation, we return to a pessimistic mindset of scarcity. Refocus our attention on the joy of Easter, so that we may recognize all that we have received and be led to give cheerfully. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. John 20:19-31

April 14, 2024 – Third Sunday of Easter

Forgiving Father, we faithfully give witness to your work in this world by sharing these gifts and offerings. You shared your Son, Jesus, so that we may repent of our sins and be saved. Thank you for providing us with the example of how to place courageously your call of discipleship into action. We pray that we may live each day according to your holy ways. In the name of the Great Teacher, Jesus, we pray. Amen. Luke 24:36b-48

April 21, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

Glorious God, we know that your capacity to love is infinitely greater than our own ability. Indeed, you call us to love one another in truth and in action. We yearn to be active disciples, so that our hearts truly abide with you. Use these gifts to increase our ability to be your followers. In the name of the One who laid down his life for us, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. 1 John 3:16-24

April 28, 2024 – Fifth Sunday of Easter

Holy Lord, you have perfected love among us by sending your son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We humbly acknowledge your gift is an overwhelming pronouncement of grace. We share these tithes and offerings today with the hope that your children everywhere will be anointed with the knowledge that your perfect love casts out all fears. 1 John 4:7-21

May 5, 2024 – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Victorious Lord, we offer these gifts to be used in celebration of your steadfast love. We give joyfully so others may join our unending common voice of praise. Let all people sing a new song of thanksgiving that is not merely noise but is a faithful celebration of your love and grace. Thanks be to God! Amen! Psalm 98

May 12, 2024 – Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday

Holy Father, we desire to be sanctified in your grace like the disciples whom Jesus commissioned with your word. We do not want to squander our lives and resources on meaningless consumption. Open our hearts and our hands to respond to giving appeals in a generous manner. Give us the courage to embrace a lifestyle centered in your teaching, rather than one dictated by marketing trends or unhealthy spending habits. We offer you these gifts as an act of responding to you in faith. Amen. John 17:6-19

May 19, 2024 – Day of Pentecost

Holy Spirit, come upon us this day. We feel your joy and delight as we celebrate this glorious day. With a sense of happiness and gratitude, we eagerly offer you these financial gifts for your ministry in this community and beyond. May all who call upon your name be saved from selfishness and filled with God-honoring habits of generous giving. All praise and glory be unto you. Amen. Acts 2:1-21

May 26, 2024 – Trinity Sunday

O God, our possessions often bring us a sense of safety and reassurance. We are too quick to place our faith and hope in earthly things – homes and cars and bank accounts and investment savings and technology. You invite us to place our faith in eternal, heavenly things. Today, we give you one type of earthly possession – money. In giving, we accept your invitation of the true security that is offered through your son, Jesus Christ. We pray in the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. John 3:1-17