Prayer of Confession, E6A

Call to Confession 

We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:29-31) Let us confess our lack of obedience to God, and seek God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession 

Forgive us, O God, 
for we have allowed ourselves to be 
intimidated
by those who do harm to your people
in your name.
We have succumbed to their 
fear-mongering
instead of trusting in you:
in your provision ... 
in your example ...
in your law of Love.
Forgive our lack of faith, O God.
Forgive our failure to defend our hope.
Give us courage, we pray, 
to stand in the strength of your promises,
the clarity to speak from the foundation
of your grace.
Help us to act from the core of our
identity
as children of God
called to love our neighbor as ourselves
and to be servants as Christ served,
caring for the most vulnerable among us
with compassion and care.

Assurance of God's Grace 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5) 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.