Architect of holiness,
You ask for an offering from those with willing hearts
gold, silver, bronze,
blue, purple, scarlet yarn,
fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, acacia wood,
oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and incense,
precious stones for the priest’s garments.
Every item is intentional;
every detail is an invitation to participate
in Your dwelling among the people.
You give the pattern for the Ark of the Covenant
wood overlaid with pure gold,
carried by poles,
holding the testimony You will give.
Above it, the mercy seat
two cherubim facing each other,
wings spread,
shadowing the place where You will meet with Moses
and speak of all You command for Israel.
You describe the table for the bread of the Presence,
where twelve loaves one for each tribe
will always be before You,
a sign that You feed and fellowship with Your people.
You design the golden lampstand
a tree of light with almond blossoms
beaten from pure gold,
its lamps burning to illuminate the holy place.
Lord, teach me that worship is not improvised whim
but revealed pattern.
Remind me that the work of my hands,
the gifts I offer,
and the skills I employ
can all be part of preparing a place for You to dwell.
Make my life a sanctuary
holy space where Your presence is honored,
Your word treasured,
Your light shining,
Your provision remembered.
Let everything I give and build
echo the truth that You dwell among us
by Your mercy, not our merit.
In the name of Jesus,
our true Ark, our Bread of life,
and the Light of the world,
Amen.