The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation

February 5, 2012 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Almighty and Gracious God, we have come this day not simply longing to hear about Jesus, but to find Jesus the Messiah, our Savior. May the gifts we give this day be used to offer healing to those who are broken in body and in spirit, and through them may others find the Christ in us. We ask this in Christ's holy name. Amen. (Mark 1: 29-39)

February 12, 2012 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Gracious and forgiving God, we long to be the disciples who give you our very best: our strongest witness, our mightiest efforts, and our first and best fruits. When we fall short, still you take what we make available and do great things! Bless what we offer now, fill it with your power so that lives may be touched, the world transformed, and your power and love be praised by all! We pray it in the name of Jesus, the Christ! Amen. (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

February 19, 2012 – Transfiguration Sunday

Holy and Omnipotent God, we need to remind ourselves that the gifts we give are not to support a church that keeps you contained, as when the disciples sought to build dwellings on the Mount of Transfiguration. We give these gifts so that we might be a part of sharing the light of your loving presence with the most remote and darkest corners of the world! Bless the use of these gifts, even as we have been blessed by the giving. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen. (Mark 9:2-9)

February 26, 2012 – First Sunday in Lent

God of mercy and grace, we give these gifts of ourselves, striving to be the obedient children you have called us to be in covenant with you. We are reminded by the example of Christ that there is nothing that this world can tempt us with that can match the satisfaction of being tested and found faithful. In our times of plenty and our times of need, help us keep strong in our conviction that in you and only you can we put our trust for the security of our lives. We pray this in Christ's holy name. Amen. (Mark 1:9-15)

Written by David S. Bell, Vice-President of Stewardship with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan and Senior Design Partner with Design Group International™. You may contact him by visiting www.DavidSBell.org. Revised by Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship for GBOD.