Prayer of Confession, Pentecost +14, Year A

Call to Confession

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24) Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence and seek God's mercy.

Prayer of Confession, Pentecost +14, Year A

God, forgive us.
We are far better at war than we are at peace,
far better at hate than we are at love,
far better at conflict than we are at reconciliation.
When someone hurts us -- friend or stranger --
that person becomes an enemy.
Sometimes, that person's entire community
becomes a target.
We do not pay attention to the steps you have outlined
for conflict-resolution
and reconciliation.
Neither do we acknowledge when we are the ones
who inflict pain,
who cause hatred and division,
who refuse to listen.
We would rather nurse our grudges
or hold on to our power
than forgive and restore a relationship to rights.
Yet we come to you
expecting you to absolve us,
to facilitate our repentance,
to give us grace to grow.
Teach us gentleness, Shepherd God.
Teach us humility,
and help us overcome evil with good.


Assurance of God's Grace

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7) Through Jesus Christ, our prayers have been answered, our redemption secured. People of God, 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 day.