Prayers for August 5, 2001
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
9th after Pentecost, Proper 13

Call to Worship (Based on Colossians 3:1-11)
Leader: If we have been raised with Christ, let us seek the things that are above, where Christ is.
People: Let us set our minds on the things that are above, not on earthly things.
Leader: Let us put to death earthly desires, such as greed and anger.
People: Let us instead take on the heavenly ways of compassion, kindness, and generosity.

Prayer of Confession
God of the universe, everything we have is a gift from You. But just like small children, the word we stress above all others is “Mine!” We hesitate to share. Rather we concentrate only on accumulating more and more things for our own personal enjoyment. We fill our closets to overflowing. We build storage sheds and rent garages to house our possessions. We spend our days worrying about our belongings, keeping them safe from fire, theft, and damage. Gracious Lord, enable us to set the right priorities for our lives. Forgive the sinful ways that we turn away from You and concentrate on Your gifts instead. Teach us to be wise stewards of all our goods. In the name of Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer
Holy God, in the morning when we open our eyes and behold the sunlit sky, empower us to see the day as being a gift from You. And as the sun sinks below the western horizon and floods the heavens with glorious color, enable us to see that as a sign that reminds us that what we have accomplished throughout the day was not the result of our doing; rather it was a gift from You. So, with grateful hearts, we give You our thanks and praise for all Your blessings each and every day.
Creator God, we bless You for the richness of the world that You have made, with all the rivers, mountains, and forests. Teach us to be faithful caretakers of those great wonders. We bless You as well for the animals of the field and the pets in our homes. Remind us always, that although we may find great enjoyment in those creatures, they ultimately do not belong to us, because they are all the works of Your hand. And likewise lead us to respect all people. Never allow us to look upon other people as being merely servants to fulfill our own selfish wants and desires. Ensure that we treat all individuals with the respect that they deserve. We offer all our prayers in the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication
Faithful Lord, You give us more blessings than we deserve. Even when we are not worthy of Your love, You shower Your goodness upon us without ceasing. As we look upon the vast riches that You have shared with us, keep us from being selfish. Open our eyes each day to discover new ways to use our resources for building up Your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.