Prayer of Confession, E7A

Call to Confession 

Everyone who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the works of the devil.  (1 John 3:8) Let us confess our alliance with evil and seek God's redemption:

Prayer of Confession

Oh, dear God in Heaven,
Peter warned us not to be surprised
at the fiery ordeal taking place
among us.
How could we be surprised
when we created it?
Peter said we are blessed
if we are reviled
for the name of Christ,
yet we have used Christ's name
to justify our actions.
Peter told us to humble ourselves,
to be disciplined,
and to resist evil,
but we are arrogant
and undisciplined,
and we participate in evil
rather than resist it.
Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.
We have failed you in every possible way.
Restore us, we pray,
and strengthen our faith.
Establish us again as followers of Christ,
that we may be glad
and shout for joy,
bringing glory to your name 
through word and deed.

Assurance of God's Grace

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits[e] for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 For this purpose he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14-15) 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.