Prayer of Confession, Epiphany C

Call to Confession

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. (John 3:19) Let us confess our sin before God and seek God's mercy.

Prayer of Confession

The earth is wrapped in darkness,
deep darkness.
Your people claim favor,
neither welcoming those who come
from great distances
nor receiving those exiled
with open arms.
We hoard our blessings and our resources,
instead of bearing gifts.
We bow to authority to protect ourselves
rather than risking ourselves to follow you.
Forgive our selfishness,
and lead us into the light of love, O God,
that there we may live as we have been taught
with our faces to the sun
and our hearts transformed by the light
of your glory.

Assurance of God's Grace

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8) In the name of our Lord 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.