Introduction
An offering is a moment of sincere response to God. These exhortations are meant to accompany it: a biblical text with a brief comment, a short word of introduction, prayers of consecration. Choose what suits your assembly, adapt it to your voice, and remember this essential point: no one is obliged to give, and those who cannot must know they are loved just the same.
Commented biblical texts before the offering
Anchoring the offering in a biblical text reminds us that giving is first of all a response to God. Read the passage, then add this brief comment.
"In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes that each one decides in their heart what they will give, without sadness or pressure. So no one is asking you to give what you have not chosen to give. What you place in the basket is a gesture that is free, made with joy."
"Paul reminds the elders of Ephesus of a word of Jesus: giving makes you happier than receiving. This is not a calculation, it is an experience that many know. When you give simply, you discover a joy that money alone cannot bring."
"The book of Proverbs invites us to honor the Lord with what we possess. Notice the order: we honor God first, before wondering what is left. The offering is a way of saying that all we have comes from him."
"Psalm 50 speaks of offering actions of thanks to God. Before it is a sum, the offering is a thank you. Each person gives according to their gratitude, and those who have nothing to give today must know that their presence counts just as much."
"One day Jesus sat down across from the temple treasury and watched the crowd. He noticed a poor widow who put in two small coins. It was not the amount that caught his attention, but the heart of the one who was giving. That is how God looks at our offerings."
Short exhortations to introduce the offering
When you have twenty seconds, get to the point. A sentence of welcome, a reason to give, and a freedom left to each person.
"Before we pass the baskets, a simple word: giving is a response to all that God has given us first. Each person participates according to their means and according to what they have decided. No sum is too small, and no obligation weighs on you."
"This offering keeps our church alive: the building, help for families going through a trial, support for those we send to serve elsewhere. If you wish to take part in it, you can do so now or later, as you prefer."
"If you are new with us, know that this offering is not asked of you. You are our guests, and your presence is enough for us. For those who already know this place, here is a moment to express, through a concrete gesture, the gratitude they bear to God."
"We are going to take a moment of silence before the offering. Think of what God has put in your week: health, a job, a meeting, a meal. Then give what your heart inspires you to give, without comparing yourself to your neighbor. God looks at sincerity."
"We give in many ways: time, talents, money. The basket welcomes the financial gift, but do not forget the services that keep this community alive. Everyone has their place, whether their contribution is visible or quiet."
Prayer to consecrate the offering
This prayer is said when the baskets pass or right after. It places the offering before God and reminds us that giving is an act of faith.
"Lord, everything comes from you, and we simply return to you a portion of what you have entrusted to us. Receive these gifts as a testimony of our gratitude. May what is given serve your work with wisdom and honesty. Amen."
"Father, we present this offering to you with joy. It is small or large depending on the hands that give it, but you look at the heart. Purify our motives and take from us any desire to be noticed. Amen."
"Generous God, you gave your Son for us, and we will never be able to repay you the equivalent. Receive this gesture as a sign of our love. Accept the gift from the one who gave of their necessity as much as from the one who gave of their surplus, and keep us from greed. Amen."
"Lord, we place into your hands the gifts of this day. Make them shared meals, visits, Bible studies and worship services prepared with care. Teach us to manage what we have with faithfulness, in the church as in the home. Amen."
"Father, thank you for the privilege of taking part in your work. We give you this offering and we give ourselves with it. May those who cannot give anything today know that they have their place among us and that they are loved by you. Amen."
Verses on joyful generosity
These verses can be read before the offering or displayed on screen. One is enough.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
The central verse on giving: each one decides, without pressure or sadness. It is the best safeguard against any pressure. Read all of 2 Corinthians 9.
2 Corinthians 9:6
"Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
An agricultural image of generosity. Read it with care and without making it a promise of gain: the text speaks of an open heart, not an investment. Read all of 2 Corinthians 9.
Proverbs 3:9
"Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase:"
Honoring God with what you possess. A useful verse to remind us that the offering is an act of worship. Read all of Proverbs 3.
Acts 20:35
"In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."
A word of Jesus reported by Paul. It reminds us that giving brings a joy that receiving does not. Read all of Acts 20.
Psalm 50:14
"Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High."
Offering thanks to God: a verse that connects giving to gratitude rather than obligation. Read all of Psalm 50.
How to prepare an exhortation for the offering
Say why the church receives an offering and what it is used for, with concrete examples. People give more readily when they understand what happens to their gift.
Never guilt-trip. Avoid phrases like 'God will bless you if you give a lot' or 'those who do not give drift away from God.' Giving remains a choice made freely, in joy.
Think of visitors and those going through a difficult time. A sentence that tells them they are not obliged puts them at ease and makes your message more credible.
Keep it short: thirty seconds to a minute. Read slowly, smile, and end with a prayer or a moment of silence before passing the baskets.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you say right before the offering at church?
Simply remind people that the offering is a free response to God, say what it is used for, then let everyone give according to what they have decided. A few sincere phrases are better than a long speech, especially if you make clear that no one is obliged.
What verse should you read before the offering?
The most used is 2 Corinthians 9:7, which speaks of giving with joy, without sadness or pressure. Proverbs 3:9 and Acts 20:35 work as well. Avoid passages that might come across as a promise of financial return.
How do you talk about money without putting pressure?
Talk about gratitude rather than duty, give concrete examples of what the offering finances and say clearly that each person is free. Avoid any promise of financial blessing in exchange for a gift.
to take notes and ask questions.