Prayer of Confession, P+17C

Call to Confession

For these things (we) weep;
    (our) eyes flow with tears;
for a comforter is far from (us),
    one to revive (our) courage;
(our) children are desolate,
    for the enemy has prevailed. (Lamentations 1:16)
Let us confess our sin before God and seek God's redeeming power:

Prayer of Confession 

Forgive us, O God, for we have sinned.
We play our angry rhetoric
and our false narratives
on loop,
taunting our neighbors,
and expecting the oppressed to dance to them. 
What choice do we give them
when we hoard resources
and make access to good nutrition
and affordable healthcare
and a living wage
as difficult as possible?
We promise freedom and the pursuit of happiness
and then we make rules 
about who is eligible.
"Tear it down! Tear it down!" we yell,
about the structures that create safety 
for the most vulnerable among us,
like those who have been enemies of your people 
in the past.
We are our own worst enemies now, O God.
Forgive us, we pray.
Help us to see ourselves in our ancestors
who have gone before.
Show us the error of our ways, O God.
Give us new perspectives.
Transform our hearts.
Teach us humility and grace,
according to your loving example.


Assurance of God's Grace

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) 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.