As the calendar turns to October, many churches turn their minds to yearly budgets and stewardship campaigns, and we are well aware that there are real and deep challenges to this work in a pandemic season.  Today we pray that we might keep our eyes fixed on the One who provides for us in every way and that we might keep our hearts open to the real work of the Kingdom which is less about budgets and balance sheets and more about the transformative work of Christ as we allow him to work through us.

Generous and Good God,

All that you have, you gave to us. Freely. Fully.  And yet, we confess that we are still people who often live with a mindset of scarcity; never enough people in the pews, never enough dollars in the bank. In this fall season, remind us anew of your abundance and stir us to trust in your provision once more.  Help us to lay aside anxieties that accompany our way and to live instead with hearts and hands which are wide open to your call.  As we step forward in faith, may we be equipped with all we need to share your love.  Freely. Fully.

Amen.