When it comes to the tithes and offerings portion of your church service, there are dozens of different approaches you could take. Some ministers choose to craft a mini sermonette surrounding the topic of generosity, some read a scripture followed by a prayer, and others opt to eliminate this portion of their service altogether. Over the last few years, however, there is an additional variation of tithes and offerings that I have seen become more and more popular among churches: offertory prayers.
How to Pray for the Offering
Tithes and offerings are typically collected during the church service, often between the worship and the sermon. There are a few different ways to approach the tithe prayer: a minister can simply read it out loud themself, or they can have the entire congregation stand and recite the prayers for offering. If the minister is including a short sermonette surrounding the topic of generosity, they might include a short prayer for offering after that. If they are utilizing an offertory prayer, it can be paired with a mini-sermon or used on its own.
What is an Offertory Prayer?
An offertory prayer is a short prayer for offering that incorporates biblical principles. They are often centered around gratitude and intention. These prayers are suitable for the entire congregation to speak out loud as a declaration.
What Do Prayers for Offering Usually Include?
The prayer for tithes and offerings usually incorporates a few specific elements:
1- Acknowledgement: Address God and His sovereignty
2- Gratitude: Thank God for His provision
3- Purpose / Blessing of the Gifts: Prayers for the offering, asking God to bless what is given
4- Blessing of the Giver: Prayers for the givers for provision and wisdom
5- Conclusion: Declaration of faith
What are Some Offering Prayer Scriptures?
There are several different offering prayer scriptures that would be applicable to use either accompanying your offertory prayer or alongside a ‘from-the-heart prayer’ over the offering. These scriptures encourage generosity, faithfulness, and trust in God's provision among believers.
Here are a few of the most commonly used scriptures:
Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
What Are Some Offering Prayer Examples?
Here are a few short tithes and offering prayers:
This offering prayer sample focuses on gratitude and exaltation:
“Gracious God, you are the giver and provider of all things. We give thanks for who you are and what you have given. We ask that this offering would honor your name. Amen.”
This prayer over offering focuses on increasing our generosity:
“Heavenly Father, thank you for your abundant generosity. As we give today, open our hearts to be more generous, reflecting your love. Bless these offerings to further your kingdom, and bless us as cheerful givers. Amen.”
This short offering prayer on fine-tuning our faith:
“God, as we bring our offerings before you, we ask for your guidance in fine-tuning our faith. Help us to trust you more deeply, to step out in faith, and to follow where you lead. May our giving today be an expression of our growing faith in you. Amen.”
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This offering prayer sample focuses on boldness and courage:
“As we offer our gifts to you, we are reminded of your call to step out into the world and make a difference. Give us courage and wisdom as we engage with the world around us, sharing your love and truth with others.
Bless these offerings, that they may support ministries and missions that reach out to those in need. And empower us to be your hands and feet in the world, shining your light wherever we go.”
This offering prayer example focuses on advancing God’s kingdom:
“God, we give thanks for your presence in our lives. Bless these offerings, that they may be used to advance your kingdom and glorify your name. And may our faith continue to grow stronger each day, bringing us closer to you. Amen.”
This tithe prayer is about recognizing that all things belong to Him:
“Heavenly Father, as we gather our tithes and offerings, we acknowledge that all things belong to you. Everything we have comes from your hand, and we are merely stewards of your blessings. Help us to recognize your leadership over all aspects of our lives.
May these gifts be used to further your kingdom, as a testament to our gratitude and trust in you. Guide us to be faithful stewards, using all that you have given us for your glory. Amen.”
This powerful prayer for tithes and offering focuses on God’s love:
“As we present our offerings today, we are reminded of your great love for us. Your love knows no bounds and is beyond measure. Help us to reflect your love in all that we do, including our giving.
May these gifts be used to spread your love to others, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. Thank you for your love that never fails us. Amen.”
This prayer for offering emphasizes the need for God in our lives:
“Almighty God, As we come before you with our offerings, we are reminded of our constant need for you in our lives. You are our provider, our sustainer, and our strength. Without you, we are nothing.
May these gifts be a symbol of our dependence on you, acknowledging that all we have comes from your hand. Help us to rely on you more fully in every aspect of our lives, trusting in your unfailing love and care. Amen.”
Prayer for Tithes and Offering Conclusion
All of these short prayers for tithes and offering highlight the sovereignty of God and the acknowledgement of His authority in our lives. Each tithes and offering prayer asks for God to bless the gift and to increase our faith.
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