Prayer of Confession, L1A

Call to Confession

Behold we were brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did our mothers conceive us. (Psalm 51:5) Let us confess the sin into which we were born and seek God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession 

God, forgive us.
Out of our human propensity for sin
we have caved to temptation
and blamed our circumstances
or the people around us
or society's ills 
for our own failures 
to live in the light and love of Christ,
whose life revealed
welcome for the stranger,
compassion for the broken,
generosity toward the poor,
grace for the imprisoned,
freedom for the oppressed,
and peaceable living with our enemies.
The sin we have perpetuated
has resulted in death --
not just of our own spirits,
but the livelihoods,
the spirits,
and the very lives
of our neighbors and friends
and even our own.
We have chosen death over life,
following Adam 
instead of Christ.
In your mercy, forgive us, we pray.
Help us to live into the justification
you have pronounced for us,
binding us to you in Christ's name,
as your children forever.

Assurance of God's Grace

Hear the good news: If death came through one man, life has come through One who is greater. Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Scripture declares, “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) In Jesus Christ, you are justified — declared righteous — not by your striving, but by his obedience. In the name of Jesus Christ, you 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. 

*Photo credit to Crystal Holmes, who took this picture for A Place of Grace use. Thank you, Crystal!