The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation

November 6, 2011 -- Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Lord of Wisdom, we faithfully believe in the promise of your Heavenly Kingdom. Yet we allow our personal living to determine our personal giving. Enable us to be generous givers whose giving is not controlled by our personal wants. Awaken our spirit to the knowledge that we have a limited time to give to your ministries. We pray in the name of your Son, who will come again as Jesus the Christ. Amen. (Based on Matthew 25:1-13.)

November 13, 2011 -- Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Beloved Lord, you offer us a precious gift. Your invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from so many unnecessary fears. As children of your light, we present these gifts so that others may share in the timeless message of your love. Encourage us to reflect your love to others, today and always. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Based on I Thessalonians 5:1-11.)

November 20, 2011 -- Christ the King Sunday/Last Sunday After Pentecost

Exalted One, we joyfully celebrate our unlimited trust in your faithful promises. We pray that all people will someday sound a cacophony of hallelujahs as they truly accept your steadfast love. May these gifts that we gladly lay upon your altar enable ministries that support this chorus of praise. We pray with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts. Amen. (Based on Psalm 100.)

November 27, 2011 -- First Sunday of Advent

During this season of waiting and anticipation, we are reminded to stay awake for the coming of your Son. Jesus' love often comes into our lives in quiet, unexpected ways. Today, we generously respond to this compassion and commit ourselves to living in a manner worthy of your love. In anticipation of the coming of Jesus, the Savior, we pray. Amen. (Based on Mark 13:24-37.)

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.