Prayer of Confession, P+18C

Call to Confession 

They remembered that God was their rock,
    the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths;
    they lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him;
    they were not true to his covenant. (Psalm 78:35-37)

Let us confess our lack of steadfastness toward God and seek God’s mercy:

Prayer of Confession

Holy and gracious God,
You call us to remember your mighty works
and to rest in your steadfast love,
yet we confess that we often forget.
We confess that we cling to busyness,
believing our worth is found in what we produce.
We confess that we resist Sabbath rest,
fearing what silence might reveal.
We confess that when trials come,
we trust in our own strength
rather than in your refining grace.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins,
    for your name’s sake.
Forgive us, we pray.
Bring us again through the waters.
Lift the burdens from our backs.
Set our feet on solid ground,
that we may live as your free and joyful people.

Assurance of God's Grace

Yet God, being compassionate,
    forgave their iniquity
    and did not destroy them;
often God restrained God’s anger
    and did not stir up all God’s wrath.
God remembered that they were but flesh,
    a wind that passes and does not come again. (Psalm 78:38-39)
Hear the good news: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!