O loving God, Ruler of the universe, we thank you for your mighty acts of deliverance, when you empower us to cross over from despair to hope, from brokenness to wholeness, from death to life.  We thank you for the deep love of Jesus, which moved him to risk himself for the redemption of humanity; and for the grace we experience in receiving these symbols of the life he gave.  As we offer ourselves to you, make us worthy of your great love.  Amen