Matins
The Litany of the Oblations
Deacon
Pray for those who have care of the sacrifices, offerings, first fruits, oil, incense, coverings, books and altar vessels, that Christ our God may reward them in the heavenly Jerusalem, and forgive our sins.
The long Litany of the Oblations is prayed during Matins, and the short one is prayed in the Offertory and Liturgy of the Faithful.
The word “oblation" means “gift”, so when we offer our oblations to God, we present Him with our gifts.
O Lord our God, as for all this abundance which I have prepared that a house should be built to Your holy name, it is of Your hand and all is Yours.
— 1 Chronicles 29:16
But who am I, and who are my people, that we are able to be zealous in offering to You? For all things are Yours, and of Your own we give to You.
— 1 Chronicles 29:14
We believe that all things are gifts from God to us, hence we say,
We offer unto You Your oblations from what is Yours
— The Anamnesis
We present to God everything offered in the Church, not just bread and wine, as evident in the Deacon’s response.
We also offer time, effort, care, money, and service. In presenting these gifts we express our faith that all things are from God and are also for Him.
You brought all the produce into the storehouses — but it will be plundered in its house. Return now in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it is overflowing.
— Malachi 3:10