Prayer of Confession, P+16C

Call to Confession

For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed, it cannot, ... (Romans 8:7) Let us confess our sin before God and submit ourselves to God's law, seeking God's mercy:

Prayer of Confession

Have mercy on us, O God.
Have mercy on us!
We feast at our tables intent on gluttony
and toss out leftovers 
without a thought for those 
who are hungry.
We give little thought 
to those who are suffering
from illness and pain --
physically,
emotionally,
mentally,
or spiritually -- 
passing them on our daily round
without a word of encouragement
or a hand of aide
or a dollar in compassion. 
Rather, we exploit the weaknesses 
of those who struggle to survive
and capitalize on our privilege
for our own gain.
Have mercy on us, O God!
Have mercy on us!
Open our hearts to a new way of being 
in the world. 
Focus our attention
on those who are voiceless
and unseen.
Teach us to give as generously 
as we have received,
that all your children may know the wonder
of your steadfast love and faithfulness
through the mission and ministry
of the church at work 
​in the world.


Assurance of God's Grace

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds[b] you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24) 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.