Offering Liturgy or Prayer worship ideas

How do I write an offering liturgy or prayer?

The offering liturgy or prayer may include the following:

• An invitation to offer gifts to God out of the abundance that God gives us
• A presentation of gifts: money, food, clothing, or supplies
• A presentation of music gifts
• A prayer before or after the presentation of the gifts

Giving the offering is an act of worship. Throughout history, the offering was closely linked to the Lord's Supper when believers would bring their gifts forward. These gifts include bread and wine that would be used for the Lord's Supper. This practice continues in some churches to this day. Giving our money is a token and symbol of our dedication to God is response to God's loving faithfulness to us. We are called to return to God of our time, possessions, talents, insights, and concerns for others. We are called to not give to God of the leftovers but rather of the firstfruits, rending to God of the goodness he has given to us as a sacrifice of praise.

Invitation to the offering

Setting the context for giving, the invitation reminds the congregation that giving is a matter of discipleship within a covenantal relationship with God.

• Psalm 24:1, the earth is the Lord's
• Psalm 50:14, sacrifice thank offerings to God
• Psalm 96:8–9, bring an offering, and come into his courts
• Psalm 111:1, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart"
• Psalm 116:12–14, "What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?"
• Matthew 6:19–20, treasures in heaven
• Matthew 10:8, freely you have received; freely give
• Acts 20:35, it is more blessed to give than to receive
• Romans 12:1, present your bodies as a living sacrifice
• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8, generosity is encouraged
• Ephesians 5:1–2, live in love, as Christ loved us
• Hebrews 13:16, do not neglect to do good and to share what you have
• 1 John 3:17–18, let us love not in word or speech but in truth and action

Offering prayers

The offertory prayer:

• acknowledges God as the giver of the gifts that we offer back to him
• includes prayers for the ministry or purpose that the money or gifts will support
• includes prayers of dedication for our lives as an offering

Overall, the offering is about more than giving money to the church, and the offertory prayer can help make this clear.

• 1 Chronicles 29:10–13, David's prayer
• Psalm 116:1–2, 12–13, 19, "What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?"