Offertory Prayer

Merciful and forgiving God, the tithes and gifts we offer to you this morning are but a small portion of the blessings we have received. The Gospels remind us that Jesus instructed us to “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow,” and yet we deny ourselves little, see the smallest of crosses as too great a burden, and follow only from a safe distance. In doing so, we cut ourselves off from deeper experiences of discipleship. Forgive us and renew our strength and discipline to walk this road with our Savior. In his holy name, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 16:21-28)