On this night of nights, O most wondrous creator, we remember and witness the power of your promise to save your people. When Pharaoh wouldn’t budge at the pleading of Moses to set the enslaved Israelites free, you acted in history, and gave your people a new beginning. The blood of the unblemished lamb spread over the lintel and the doorposts of the houses was the sign of your people’s readiness, at any moment, to receive salvation. All too often we are those looking for a sign from you that you are present in our lives. This story reminds us that you will await signs from us that communicate our openness, trust and readiness to receive your mercy, love, grace, and yes, new beginnings. When we find ourselves grumbling, out of sorts, outraged at the effort we must invest in hope, remind us that it is only by participating in the promise that we will receive its blessing. We confess that, even in this holy season, we have not been attentive to our own spirits, putting off participation in the means of grace designed to help us nourish our souls. Our Abba, Father in heaven, holy is your name. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Forgive us, we pray, if we have offended you, and give us the courage to forgive those who offend us. We ask only what we need to sustain us on life’s journey, and pray that you will lead us away from temptations that threaten to enslave us. Deliver us from all evil for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen.
PARDON AND WORDS OF ASSURANCE
We have only to turn to God and ask for pardon, fully assured that before even a word is on our lips pardon is granted. For God is faithful and just. God’s goodness and goodwill surpasses all human understanding, and there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from God’s love made manifest in Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen.
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
This night is different from all other nights as God’s people remember their flight from Egypt. This night continues to commemorate God’s redemptive acts on behalf of humanity. We have come here as 21st century disciples of Jesus to eat the meal that has been prepared for us. On this night 2000 years ago, Jesus became for us the Passover lamb. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus the lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. God has covenanted with humanity over and over again. The new covenant established in Jesus does not negate God’s previous covenants, it only broadens the scope of them. As covenant people we carry on in the name of Jesus, uniting with him to bring Good News, to all people. Our training ground for the work is the church which deserves our gifts of support.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus promised to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to restore sight to the blind. Still longing to find favor in your sight, each one of us knows that we have fallen short of your glory. When we offer our gifts to your service we are seeking to ready our hearts, minds and spirits for the better day. These gifts are a sign to you that we embrace our covenant with you. Bless them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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