Lectionary Readings

Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Psalm 112
Matthew 6:19-24

Tithe Poem

The Sacred Portion 

Beware, lest you say in your heart, “my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:17)

Lord Jesus, as I sit this morning
to calculate a tithe out of my portion,
I ask you gift me once again your grace.
My heart still seizes all I own, my earned,
my little bit of toil to claim as mine.

Unfold my heart again into the joy
of giving back my portion unto you,
First Giver and Only source
of everything to everything.
Be patient with me as I count
again how much I give.

By this act, bend me outward
to be a giver in all things,
that I might gain
your righteousness,
your likeness,
your abundance.

By this act, bend me outward,
to always remember
to fear you more than man,
to trust in your deliverance,
to hope only in your strong hand.

Keep me in this thought, O King
who deserves my everything,
that you give abundance back.
You shape for us a feast
too wonderful to bear,
that all these gifts might be
enjoyed in your love and care.