Friday Vespers #24
I found this prayer under the memos section of my Palm. I think I jotted it down several years back when I was a deacon. We would rotate responsibility for who would pray during the tithes and offerings part of the service. At the time I was more nervous about praying in front of a group, so it was my intention to draft a few for handy reference. This was the only one I ended up recording. In writing it I remember referencing both scripture and a passage from a book that I was reading, though I do not recall the book anymore.
LORD, we come before you to present our tithes and offerings. As each of us decides in his own heart what to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion–for we know you love a cheerful giver; grant us grace that we might follow the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was willing to give up the infinite riches and wealth of heaven for the poverty of becoming a sin-bearing Servant, that His people might become eternally blessed beyond measure. Thank you for the privilege of being able to give to your church, for it is one way in which we tangibly demonstrate that we are beginning to grasp how gracious you have been to us. We ask that you bless these monies and their use, not for our own glory and comfort, but for your glory and the advancement of your Kingdom — Amen.
And a hearty amen.
As I wrote this I thought to myself, “There’s a couple blog posts I could pull from this subject…maybe more.” Then while I was lying in bed last night I realized I had posted it on Thursday instead of Friday! I’ve since moved the timestamp to 12:01am 2/16/07.