Epiphany 13

Lord and God,

Great are you and greatly to be praised. You who abhor every trace of sin and death, whose vengeance burns against the wicked, who destroys the works of the evil one, are to be feared and loved in holiness. You who make yourself known as a fortress, who condescends to abide in us, whose command is love and goodness for all who belong to you, are to be loved and desired as the joy of all the earth.

In Zion is a refuge and heaven for sins, not because there is a people yet without sin, but because Jesus Christ our sacrifice is without sin, and his people cannot go on sinning. Let all people come to see your church, your kingdom and behold you, our sacrifice, our refuge, our God.