After the preparation of the Altar, the Priest begins the offertory by giving thanks and praise. He raises the bread: “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation . . .” In so doing, we first of all, recognize that everything we have to offer was first given to us by God. St. Augustine wrote that we can accomplish nothing good without the help of God. This is, in part, because we recognize that we would have nothing to offer Him, except what He has first given to us. These prayers also call to mind the unity and cooperation of creation: the fruit of the earth and work of human hands.