Everlasting God, strengthen and sustain all those who volunteer in our churches;
that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people;
and grant that together they may follow Jesus Christ,
offering to you their gifts and talents;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours to share
in the loving, healing, reconciling mission of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in this age and wherever we are.
Since without you we can do no good thing, may your Spirit make us wise;
may your Spirit guide us; may your Spirit renew us;
may your Spirit strengthen us; so that we will be: strong in faith,
discerning in proclamation, courageous in witness, persistent in good deeds.
This we ask through the name of the Father. Amen.
Loving God,
You have entrusted us with the good news of your gospel.
It is a privilege that we do not take lightly.
Thank you for equipping each one of these volunteers with gifts for ministry.
Thank you for their willingness to respond to your call to serve with gladness.
Sustain them on the days when they are tired,
give them the strength to serve your children with patience, mercy, and grace,
particularly with those children who need extra patience, mercy, and grace.
And, as they serve you,
give them joy through glimpses of your Kingdom in the faces of those whom they serve.
Through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit we pray,
Amen.q
Dear Loving Father,
As I prepare once again to take my turn as a volunteer with children's ministry, renew my vision of the preciousness of each moment.
This could be the first time a child hears today's Bible story.
This could be the first time a child understands something new and amazing about God.
This could be the first time a child feels accepted and loved for who they are.
This could be the first child in their family to be brought up knowing Jesus.
This could be the first child in a neighborhood or a school who brings a friend to church.
And even if this turns out to be the last time a child is a part of our ministry, help them to never forget that they are loved and accepted by you in this place and in your Kingdom. Amen