Praise the Eternal

Heavenly Father,

From before the world was brought into being, you are God. When nothing existed but you, you are worthy of honor and praise. Indeed, you are the uncreated one, eternal and unchanging yesterday, today, and forever. The word of your power holds all creation together. You spoke into the void and form, and being began. Without you, there was not anything made that has been made. You breathed the breath of life into the dust, and a man awoke. To this day, your spirit animates all mankind. We are made in your image and likeness, bearing the stamp of the divine. But our reflection of your nature is tarnished by the fallenness of our race. So you sent your glorious and all-powerful son to be born as a humble man. Giving up his divine glory, he humbled himself and became a servant. He allowed himself to be led to a cross and died so that he might redeem for himself as a people. I have the unimaginable honor to be counted among them. That would be gift enough, but you poured your spirit upon us. You walk with us through our days on earth and will raise us to your side in heaven. Words cannot express my gratitude, so I offer the thanksgiving of my soul. I praise you. The saying feels meager, but I offer what I have to give.

In the name of him who for the joy set before him endured the cross. Amen.