Prayer of Confession, P+14C

Call to Confession 

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." (Psalm 14:1a)
Let us confess our foolishness before the God of all creation and seek God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession 

We are fools, O God.
Our words are poisonous gas,
fouling the air,
ruining the rivers and skies.
We bite and consume one another.
We are sheep,
taking turns pretending
to be the Shepherd,
while these predators lead us
to destruction.
When will we learn?
What will it take for us to see
the mess we have created
out of our selfishness
and greed?
God of mercy, forgive us!
Shut our mouths
and open our ears
that we might hear the cries
of those who suffer at our hand.
Open our hearts
that we might be moved
by their pain.
Teach us again
what you sent Christ to teach ...
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
and self-control.
Lord, in your mercy, 
for the sake of the world
and for the sake of your kin-dom
and for our own sakes,
hear our prayers.

Assurance of God's Grace 

He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14) 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.