Collects and Prayers - October 18, 2009

Greeting
Leader: Gather us in – teachers, preachers, bankers, and mechanics –
People: that we use God’s gifts to earn all we can.
Leader: Gather us in – doctors, lawyers, authors, and farmers –
People: that we live our lives wisely to save all we can.
Leader: Gather us in – salesmen, writers, traders, and engineers –
People: that we follow your generosity of heart to give all we can.

Collect
Almighty and merciful God, you taught us through your Son Jesus Christ that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. Through the sacrifice of your Son, you showed us the true measure of giving ourselves to you and others. Instill in our hearts the passion to follow the example of your Son, and to give all that we are and all that we'll ever be wholly to you. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Knowing that our loving God supplies all our needs, let us pray to him now on behalf of the Church and the world.

God, the author of our lives and creator of our many talents, we give thanks for meaningful work, which orders our days in your name and puts our skills to good use. We are grateful for the fruits of our labors, which allow us to provide for ourselves and our families. While we earn what we can, give us thankful hearts, knowing that it is your hand that feeds us and your authority to which we must answer. Give us the energy to work industriously, the wisdom to balance our work appropriately, and the humility to attribute our earnings to your gracious presence in our lives.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, whose creation is perfectly ordered so that all have enough, curb our desire for more. You teach us that there is a time to spend, and a time to save, and a time for all things under heaven. We ask that you give us the wisdom to discern the proper use of our resources. Reorder our lives so that our hearts, our minds, our time, our talent, and our treasure are in tune with one another and with your plan for the Kingdom. Teach us prudence, self-control and simple living. Help us to save all we can, not for ourselves, but for your ministry in the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, who freely gives us all things for no other reason than for love, help us to be as gracious in our giving. We pray that we may recognize our gifts as a means of glorifying you and not ourselves. Lead us, your servants, to live up to your glory in our homes, our church, our community, and our world. As we commit ourselves to you and to one another, empower us to give all we can.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, your generosity draws us to love more deeply and give more fully. Hear us as we pray, and use us in fulfilling our prayers. We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.