Prayer of Confession, A2B

Call to Confession

If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Let us confess our sin before God and seek God's mercy.

Prayer of Confession

We have heard the invitation to comfort God's people,
but we have not answered.
Comforting others requires that we are discomforted.
Comforting others requires that we examine our contributions
to their pain.
We have heard the invitation to level the playing field
for people everywhere,
but we have not answered.
Leveling the playing field requires a radical reorientation of thought, word, and deed.
Leveling the playing field requires a removing of our own advantage.
We have heard the invitation to lift up our voices
as heralds of good tidings,
but we have not answered.
Lifting up our voices requires a willingness to be heard and identified as someone other
than who we portray ourselves to be.
Forgive us, we pray,
for we are not the people you have called us to be.
Embolden us to reach out of our comfort zones
and comfort others in ways that disquiet us,
so that your people everywhere
may see your might
on their behalf.

Assurance of God's Grace

God has promised that when we confess our sin, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sin and remove it as far as the east is from the west, remembering it no more. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us also forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you.
Please extend the peace of Christ to everyone you encounter this day.