Epiphany 21

Lord and God,

No blemished sacrifice was worthy of us, worthy of you. How could it be? A calendar of festivals, a rhythm of annual praises and thanksgiving, ceremonies and rites all to remind us of your saving acts: it was you who made the earth and all its fullness, calling us into being from dust; it was you who delivered us from Egypt and the house of bondage; it was you who gave us a land and a home, flowing with milk and honey; it was you who by your Spirit prepared the way for your own glorious presence; it was you who made full atonement by the lifeblood, who take the sins of your people far away into the wilderness; without you, our God, we are a lost and wandering people.

All this is for us to live with reference to you and what you have done. Help us, Lord, not let our world’s begin to revolve again around others, pleasing and fearing them most of all. Help us to remember the Father who loves us, delivered us with a strong hand, and assured us of a future home. Let us trust in you, for we have before you a thank offering that can never be defiled, nor be exhausted, no matter how often we eat of his body and drink of his blood. Through him, give us lives of praise.