On Yom Kippur, hearts
become as white as a
priest’s prepared and
pure white linen
garments created for
the holiest sanctuary
on the holiest day of
the year. The priest
enters this place
with sobriety and
the fear of the Lord.
He represents the
people to God
and God to the people.
Hearts ascend in quiet
surrender as sweet
incense arises.

This is the day to
cleanse, repair, repent—
to seek forgiveness
to make amends,
to embrace the
promise of long ago
that the Lord has
already provided a
sacrifice from earth’s
foundation.
Lamb’s blood will cover,
will atone, will redeem,
will deliver. Our sin
and separation from
God is thrown into
the depths of the sea
to be remembered
no more. “Behold, the
Lamb of God who
takes away the sin
of the whole world.”
-Bonnie Saul Wilks

“The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present a food offering to the Lord.” Leviticus 23:27

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” – Psalms 51:1

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22