Prayer of Confession, P+14C

Call to Confession

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom (we are) the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15) Let us confess our sin before God and seek God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession

Look at us, God, pointing at sinners
as though we are not all saint and sinner alike.
Look at us, God, shouting "hypocrite!"
without examining our own hypocricy.
Have mercy on us, we pray,
though we hardly deserve it,
given our lack of mercy for others.
Forgive our inclination to believe
that rules are for everyone 
but us.
Hear our prayers of repentance.
Hear our desire to be
transformed.
Help us to move from a finger-pointing people
to a people of love
and grace.

Assurance of God's Grace

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water[a] of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (Titus 3:3-7) 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.