Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.
That we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross
so that he might draw the whole world to himself.
Grant that we, who glory in this death for our salvation,
may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(From The United Methodist Book of Worship. Painting by Paul Heussenstamm.)