confession: deserving

A prayer of confession written while reflecting on the Prodigal story, from the father’s perspective.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church

One: God, you call us to love,
even when love is undeserved.
All: Forgive us when our love is limited
to those we think worthy.
One: God, you call us to run toward those who have hurt us,
to work for reconciliation.
All: Forgive us when we cannot look past our hurt
and so miss out on wholeness.
One: God, you call us to put aside
our fear, our shame, our blame.
All: Forgive us when we are so focused on ourselves
that we do not offer compassion to others.