For our Jewish brothers and sisters, September 16 was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
On this Sabbath we share a prayer that has formed part of the Yom Kippur liturgy for thousands of years. During Yom Kippur worship services it is often both spoken as a piyyut (prayer, liturgical poem) and sung as a nigun (melody, a form of Jewish religious vocal music). It is a prayer with which Christians can also identify, and from which we can learn much.
For we are Your people; You are our God.
We are Your children; You are our Father.
We are Your servants; You are our Master.
We are Your community; You are our Heritage.
We are Your possession; You are our Destiny.
We are Your flock; You are our Shepherd.
We are Your vineyard; You are our Keeper.
We are Your handiwork; You are our Creator.
We are Your faithful; You are our Beloved.
We are Your treasure; You are our Protector.
We are Your subjects; You are our King.
We have chosen You, And You have chosen us.
Amen