Offering Prayer: Matthew 14:15-21

Prayer before the Offering

(based on Matthew 14:15-21)

O Lord,

we know that we live in a world of plenty,

with food sufficient for all.

Help us to realize that there is enough for everyone’s need,

but not enough for everyone’s greed.

Give us hearts of compassion,

unselfish concern and loving care,

that all may have the abundant life which is thy will.

When we offer all that we have,

we know that in thy hands there is enough and to spare,

O Lord of the hungry crowd and of the twelve basketsful left over. Amen.

—George Appleton, in Journey for a Soul: A Book of Prayers and Meditations, Collins: Fontana Books, 1974, 63, available from used book sellers online.

For other worship resources on Matthew 14:15-21 (the feeding of the five thousand) or other suggested lectionary texts for July 31, 2011 (the seventh Sunday after Pentecost) click on Proper 13A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.