“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
Abba, our Father of mercies, we were once undeserving because of our sins and transgressions. We are supposed to be destroyed like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah but you spared us and blotted out our offenses by the flesh and blood you sacrificed for us. You healed and forgiven our souls and commanded us to leave the life of sin. Along with this command, you are sustaining us with your ceaseless mercies for us to be completely sanctified until we are ready to be presented for yourself a glorious church, not having stain or wrinkle or any other blemish but holy and blameless. Lord God, enable us not to be conformed to this world. Help us to do what is good and acceptable and perfect will of yours. Dead sacrifices and dead works are not pleasing to you. It is not what is ours that you desire but our own selves and our presence is what you seek as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable offering to you. Father, we devote to ourselves with our whole heart, whole soul and whole mind. We worship you and praise you faithfully and with all humility. May you accept us as sweet-smelling offerings to you and as ample sacrifices and pleasing to you as well. This we pray in your name. Amen.
