Prayer of Confession, E7A

Call to Confession

We were called to freedom, but we use our freedom as an opportunity to serve ourselves, neglecting to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Galatians 5:13-14 pp) Let us confess our sin before God and seek God's mercy.

Prayer of Confession, E7A

God of mercy and compassion,
hear our prayers.
We have neglected to do good
and to share what we have.
We see our siblings in Christ poorly clothed
and hungry,
and we wish them well
with thoughtful words of blessing,
but we do not DO anything
to help them.
We sow sparingly,
looking out for our own households
out of fear that there will never be enough.
We curse our enemy
rather than bless them,
and "enemy" is broadly defined
as anyone who disagrees with us,
who looks different from us,
whose beliefs do not match ours.
Lord, in your mercy, do not hold our sin
against us, but
forgive our self-centered ways, and
transform us into purposeful people,
whose goal is to love as you call us to love,
to share with abandon
in a spirit of generous abundance
that rains down blessing
and hope
that all poverty might be eradicated
and life restored
in all of your creation.

Assurance of God's Grace

The Lord is good to all, and God's mercy is over all God has made. (Psalm 145:9) In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

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