With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Gracious God and loving Heavenly Father,
Sacrifices without obedience are meaningless and will not bring blessing. LORD, you have shown us what you desire; that we should live righteous lives and strive to do the right thing. Not the easy thing, or the advantageous thing, but whatever is in line with your holy character. You desire that we should have forgiving hearts and seek peace. Not to take offence and not to stir up trouble but to be peacemakers. And we must not think that we know better than you, LORD, and go our own way. We must put aside our pride and walk humbly with you. This way of living becomes easier when we are close to you, so we need to be coming to you in prayer for guidance, forgiveness, encouragement and peace and we need to immerse ourselves in your word. Protect us from the evil around us and keep us on the path of sanctification.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN