For the Sake of Joy

Enduring and Gracious God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses, those who have gone before us and those who walk beside us in faith. As we bring our gifts before you, we offer them in gratitude, knowing that our generosity is part of your ongoing work in the world. Strengthen us to run with perseverance the race set before us, so that through our giving and through our living, we may reflect the joy of Christ and the love that unites all your saints. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)