Used as a closing benediction or congregational affirmation at the end of worship: the congregation proclaims or receives the assurance 'The LORD is there' as a statement of God's abiding presence and blessing as they depart.
Echoes New Testament confirmations of God's dwelling with his people (Revelation 21:3; John 1:14). Suited to be used as a spoken or chanted benediction in liturgies, as an assurance after prayer and sacraments.
A responsive reading between leader and congregation recounting the twelve gates named for the tribes — affirming covenant continuity, the fullness of God's people, and the unity of God's household. Suitable for festival days (e.g., Pentecost), confirmations, or services emphasizing the church’s rootedness in God’s covenant people.
Thematic focusCovenant continuity, unity of God's people, eschatological hope, holiness of the city/people.
Connections to tradition
Direct biblical parallel to the New Testament vision of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12-14). Can be integrated into liturgies that recall the Church's identity with Israel and the apostles (relates to the Church's creedal identity such as the Nicene affirmation of one holy catholic and apostolic Church).
A prayer used at the offertory or before Holy Communion that takes Ezekiel's language of the 'holy portion' and the prince's allotted land to frame giving and stewardship as consecrated to the Lord. It calls the congregation to offer themselves and their resources as a holy portion for God's purposes.
Thematic focusConsecration, stewardship, holy offering, rightful order and provision for leadership.
Connections to tradition
Relates scripture's notion of a 'holy portion' to New Testament practice of offering and Eucharistic thanksgiving (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26) and to prayers of dedication in many liturgical traditions (offertory prayers, offertory sentences).