Here’s
an invitation and prayer for the offering inspired by the suggested scripture
readings for Proper 5 C (1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146). It comes from the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.
Invitation to Share
(inspired by 1 Kings
17: 8-16)
The
widow of Zarephath thought the end was near.
In
a time of great drought, she had only enough meal and oil
to
prepare a last bit of flatbread for herself and her son.
And
yet, when asked, she was willing to share what she had with a stranger.
With
great courage, she trusted God’s promise to provide for her family.
Her
story invites us to look at the act of sharing as an act of trust.
Let
us share generously and courageously
because
we can trust God to provide us with what we need.
Prayer of Dedication
(inspired by Psalm
146)
Gracious
God, we give these gifts because you ask us to share.
We
dedicate this offering and our lives to your service,
that
the hungry may be fed, the oppressed may receive justice,
and
the stranger may be welcomed in our midst.
We
offer this prayer in the name of the bearer of your good news,
Jesus
the Christ. Amen.
~
posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship
Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/
