Holy One,
In ancient times, sacrifice meant “to make sacred.”
Burnt at the altar, the gift was purified in the flames,
its savory aroma rising in plumes of smoke
to please your heavenly nostrils.
The modern mind thinks of doing without;
of giving something up.
UP:
Elevating it to a higher will,
dedicating it to a higher purpose.
Today, I elevate my irrational fears,
my old resentments,
my egotistical attitudes,
my false needs.
I offer them UP to you in blessed sacrifice.
I dedicate them to the altar of my trust in you
to be cleansed in the purifying flames,
turned to the service of your Divine Will,
and made sacred in the light
of your ever-presence.