Offertory or Dedication Prayers

If the offering is returned by the ushers to the front, meet the ushers at the steps of the Chancel and take the plates to the Lord’s Table. Stand behind the Lord’s Table facing the congregation. During the prayer, you may continue to hold the plates, lifting them up during the prayer, or you may put the plates in the shelf in back of the Table.

This prayer may be of your own construction. The following are suggestions.

1
We dedicate this money, Lord, for the work of the church,
And we ask you to use all that we have
And all that we are in your service. Amen.

2
Lord Jesus Christ, you were rich,
yet for our sake you became poor,
so that through your poverty we might become rich.
Accept this collection and offering
as a token of our gratitude
for all you have done. Amen.

3
Help us who have received so freely from you
to give as freely in our turn,
and so have the pleasure of giving
as well as the happiness of receiving. Amen.

4
Dear Lord, Creator of all things,
everything on earth is yours.
We have nothing that can make you richer,
for it all comes from you in the first place.
But what we have we bring –
the acknowledgment that we live thanks to you,
and that without you we have nothing and can do nothing.
Receive and bless these gifts for your holy work,
and bless those who give offer them to you. Amen.


5
Dear Lord, we give back to you in thankfulness what you have given to us in kindness.
We acknowledge that the world and its resources are not ours but yours, and that you have put us in charge as your trustees.
Help us to exercise responsibly the authority you give us in your world.
Let Jesus your Son be the pattern for all our dealings with one another, and with the rest of creation.
Bless the gifts we now present back to you, so that they may be used in the work of your Kingdom on this earth.

6
Almighty and merciful God,
from whom comes all that is good,
we praise you for your mercies,
for your goodness that has created us,
your grace that has sustained us,
your discipline that has corrected us,
your patience that has borne with us,
and your love that has redeemed us.
Help us to love you,
and to be thankful for all your gifts
by serving you and delighting to do your will,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

7 Adapted from the 1906 Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.:
O most merciful and gracious God,
from whose open hand we all have received much:
We ask you to accept this offering of your people.
Remember in your love those who have brought it.
Remember also those persons and purposes for which it is given.
So follow this sacrifice with your blessing that it may promote peace and good will, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray; Amen.

8
Lord God, thank you for the blessings
you have given us year after year.
Help us to wisely use the time you have given us.
Lead us, while we remain here on earth,
to serve you through all the people around us
who are in need.
Amen.