Prayer of Confession, Advent 4A

Call to Confession

God exalted Jesus at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31) Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace, confessing our sins together knowing that God came to live among us as an act of salvation.

Prayer of Confession, Advent 4A

We are an impetuous people, O God.
We are quick to rush to judgment,
ready to throw even those we love
to the wolves.
Our fervor to abandon the stranger
in our midst
is even greater ...
like our eagerness to judge
the character flaws in our neighbors.
Probably because they reflect our own to us
in less than complimentary ways.
We are slow to consider
the ways in which you might be moving
to among us,
reluctant to participate in your transformation
of the world you created,
fearful of the responsibility
that comes with answering your call.
Forgive us, we pray.
Soften our hearts,
and help us to be guided by the example
Joseph set
when he refused to subject Mary to public disgrace.
Teach us how to be loving
and patient
and kind.
Always.


Assurance of God's Grace

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth God's Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children of God. (Galatians 4:4-5) 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 all whom you encounter this day~