God of wonders, we praise you with all of our being. We celebrate your abundant goodness and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. [Psalm 145:7-8,13] Thank you for being our provider and our strong tower during this past year. We rejoice as we see Vision 2030 construction in progress and know that we are moving into the future to serve others and connect them with you.
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the awesome staff at Genesis who have spent the pandemic creating wonderful online services so that we can continue to learn your ways and bring glory to you. Thank you for sending us Pastor Craig to lead and teach us. Thank you for Marla, Kerby, Luke, and the many musicians who have used online technology to facilitate our worship. Thank you for Liliana, Michele, Pam, Malana, and the lay leaders who have faithfully led zoom classes for Bible Study, Christian education, and fellowship for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Thank you for Kim, Lynn, and the Stephen ministers who provide congregational care. Thank you for the faithful administrative support each week from Pam and Erica and for the blessings poured out upon the little ones in the preschool through Marilyn and the teachers. Bless all these workers for your kingdom and the seeds they plant every week.
Almighty God, we thank you for those in our church family who give faithfully so that Genesis can continue to grow and thrive now and onwards into the future. We pray that you will honor all who contribute tithes and offerings to our church – may every gift be returned in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over [Luke 6:38].
Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, as a church body we bring our finances and budgets to you. Our trust is in you, not our jobs or our bank accounts or our investments. In you we have a hope and a future, not just for us but for all people who come to Genesis now and in the years to come. We commit to seeking your kingdom and your righteousness. Our confidence is in you, O Lord, and we know you will bring us the funding needed for our staff, ministries, missions, construction, and preschool.
Holy Spirit, we confess that we are not always generous in our hearts with people or money. Forgive us for our sins of greed, complacency, and stinginess. Forgive us of our sins of doubt and unbelief regarding our own economic means and those of the church. Help us to rise above our uncertainties and show us how to use the funds you have provided wisely. Move the hearts of each member of our congregation to give faithfully, regularly, and generously. May each person experience your supernatural provision and blessing in their own lives. Be a shield around each of us, Lord, and a fortress of strength.
Everlasting God, we ask for your wisdom in 2021 as we work with the budgets that have been set and step out in faith as you direct. Renew, nourish, and inspire our staff, the finance committee, and the Vision 2030 team. Stir the hearts of each and every member of our congregation to get involved at Genesis and communicate the good news and hope that we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May everything we do serve to demonstrate our core values to love you, love neighbor, and serve others.
How great are your works O Lord! All honor and glory belong to your name forever and ever.
Amen.
written by Linda Binkley, Genesis member