Shalom! Today, October 3, 2014 (9th of Tishrei 5775) is the holiest and most important day of the year- Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It starts just before sunset tonight, and it includes a 25 hour fast from both food and water, and ceasing of all work. It is a day set aside to afflict the soul, to ask for atonement for the sins of the past year. It comes after the ten Days of Awe when people are to examine themselves and repent of their sins. We also go to each other to confess and be forgiven, because we believe God calls us first to make things right with each other before being right with Him. The holiday was instituted in Leviticus 16, where it says: This shall be a permanent statute for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, (on the Hebrew Calendar) you shall humble your souls and not do any work, whether the native, or the alien who sojourns among you; for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute. (Leviticus 16:29-31) Our God and God of our fathers! Let our prayers come before You today, do not hide Yourself from our prayers and supplication. What shall we say to You who dwell on high? You know all things, both hidden and revealed. You search our hearts and thoughts. Nothing is hidden from Your sight. We are not so arrogant nor hardened to say, We are righteous and have not sinned. For truly we have sinned. We have turned away from the good commandments You have given us. You are righteous and true in all Your ways, but we have done evil in Your sight. Thank You our God and God of our fathers, that You forgive all our sins, pardon all our iniquities, and grant atonement for all our transgressions through Jesus (Yeshua the Messiah). For it is written: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Return, O Israel to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. For we are your people, and you are our God. We are your children, and you are our Father. We are your servants, and you are our Lord. We are your community, and you are our Portion.We are your heritage, and you are our Lot.We are your flock, and you are our Shepherd. We are your vineyard, and you are our Keeper. We are your work, and you are our Maker. We are your companions, and you are our Beloved.We are your treasure, and you are our Friend.We are your people, and you are our King. Forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement, in Jesus (Yeshua the Messiah) name we pray Amen!
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 11:28:38 +0000
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