Prayer of Confession, E+3C

Call to Confession

 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19) Let us confess our wickedness before God and seek God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession

Forgive us, God,
for we have sinned.
We claim to be law and order people.
We claim to follow you.
But we do not follow your law,
and we do not respect the laws 
created for the purpose of order 
and community
in our society.
We claim to trust in your commandments --
even celebrating when they are hung
in public school classrooms
in defiance of the law that separates
church and state --
but we have made idols of humans
and have worshiped at the feet
of those whose power and greed
reflects our own ego-centric desires.
We do not self-reflect
so as to identify the planks in our eyes,
as we are ever so busy digging out sawdust
from the eyes of our neighbors.
We do not deserve your mercy.
Indeed we have made this bed, O God,
and should have to lie in it,
but if there is even one who is innocent ...
even one whose goodness rises above 
the putrid stink of our collective sin,
we beg your mercy
on their behalf,
that they should not be punished
for the darkness that has been released
into the world.
Again.
Lord, in your mercy, 
hear our prayers.

Assurance of God's Grace

but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) Hear the Good News: 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 week.