Prayer of Confession, L1A

Call to Confession

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Prayer of Confession, L1A

Everpresent God,
Forgive us.
Daily we are confronted with temptation,
and daily, we struggle and cave to it.
In the age of Instagram,
we want instant answers,
instant solutions,
instant gratification.
Grant us the strength to wait patiently,
trusting in you to guide and direct us,
and listening for your Word to show us the way.
In an age of divisiveness,
we use your Word as a weapon against others,
insisting our own interpretations are the only interpretations,
but we so often do not interpret your Word
through the law of love.
Our motives are selfish,
and we are tempted to prove our rightness
over and over again
by jumping from steep statements,
expecting you to bear us up before the world.
Teach us humility.
Open our ears to listen to other voices,
while keeping us attuned to your self-revelation
in Christ, who was obedient all the way
to the cross.
We are inclined to put confidence
in positions of power and authority,
and to not only exercise that power and authority,
but to do so abusively.
Remind us that Jesus came as servant leader
to show us how to share power
with the marginalized and voiceless.
Transform us through the wilderness of this Lenten season
into people who live from the strength of Christ,
in whose name we humbly pray.

Assurance of God's Grace

God has promised that when we confess our sin, God is gracious and merciful and will forgive our sin, removing it as far as the east is from the west, and remembering it no more. 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 day.