OT 20

Lord and God,

We are to submit to those who wield the sword over us, yet you yourself have delivered from wicked rulers that Lord their authority over us to make us slaves. They are appointed for our rule, yet tell us to cease from building your house. Was Jesus Christ, your Son, your only Son, not killed by such a ruler who wielded the cross unjustly?

He who asked why you had forsaken counted his own bones, with pierced hands and feet. Yet all authorities shall praise you, even he who could not keep himself alive, but kept us alive in his own death. They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that Jesus Christ has done it. He has collapsed the distance between sinners and the Holy One of Israel, between the lion and the lamb, and between the sword and the plowshare. Praise Him, for His steadfast love endures forever.