Minister: Lift up your hearts!
Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord!
Father of all, we come before You in order to be laid bare before You. We know that Your Word is sharper than any two-edged sword, and will cut us apart, as the priestly knife used to cut apart the sacrifical animals of the old covenant. We know from Your Word that the pieces will be laid on the altar, and that we will ascend to You as a glorious aroma, a sweet-smelling savor in Christ. We thank You for this, and we praise Your holy name. You have made it possible for sinners to worship before You.
And so, gracious Father, we worship You now through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end, amen.