Used during the offertory to present tithes, food, and other gifts as an offering to the Lord. Language from Leviticus 2 (bringing a grain offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense; presenting an offering to the LORD) supplies biblical wording for dedicatory prayers that commit gifts to God’s service and remembrance.
Thematic focusDedication of material gifts, thanksgiving, consecration of labor and produce to God.
Connections to tradition
Directly connects the Old Testament grain-offering language to Christian offertory practice; scripture (Romans 12:1) reframes offering as presenting our bodies/ lives as a living sacrifice. This element is therefore apt for the offertory in worship and harvest/firstfruits services.
Harvest/Firstfruits Responsive Reading or Hymn Text
A responsive reading or congregational hymn for harvest festival, thanksgiving, or a 'firstfruits' dedication. Congregation and leader alternate lines based on the offering of firstfruits (Leviticus 2) and God’s bringing forth (James 1:18), using biblical imagery to give the first and the best back to God.
Thematic focusThanksgiving, trust in God’s provision, covenantal giving of firstfruits.
Connections to tradition
Fits in harvest thanksgiving services and seasons of giving; ties Old Testament firstfruits language to Christian practice of dedicating the first/firstborn to the Lord (biblical precedent), and can be used in services that celebrate God’s provision.
Key verses
Leviticus 2:14-16
James 1:18
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 (see thematic link to firstfruits)
A benediction or short exhortation that invokes the imagery of 'the salt of the covenant' from Leviticus 2:13. Suitable for the dismissal, for baptismal charges, or for missionary/commissioning prayers where the people are called to be 'salt'—preserving, purifying, and flavoring the world for Christ (cf. Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50).
Thematic focusCovenant sign, witness to the world, purity and perseverance in holiness.
Connections to tradition
Can be incorporated into baptismal vows or commissioning liturgies (the biblical metaphors of salt and covenant from Leviticus 2 and Jesus’ teaching provide the scriptural basis).
A short exhortation read before the Lord’s Supper calling the congregation to spiritual purity and sincerity, using Leviticus 2:11's prohibition of leavened offerings as typological language (cf. 1 Cor. 5:7-8) to urge repentance and sincere reception of the bread of remembrance (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Thematic focusRepentance, inward sincerity, preparation for holy communion.
Connections to tradition
Used in preparatory liturgies for Communion/Eucharist. Leviticus' requirement concerning unleavened grain offers provides Old Testament texture for New Testament calls to remove 'old leaven' and celebrate with sincerity.