confession: hem

Call to Reconciliation
We know the words we have spoken which have
broken a relationship; we know the deeds we have
done which separate us from friends and families.
We know how we have failed to be faithful followers
of Jesus.  Let us confess our sins, trusting that God
will touch us with the healing power of grace.

Unison Prayer of Confession
All too often, God of Excellence, it is the hem of
sin we cling to, letting it drag us through the mud of
fear and failures.  You offer us that love which will
always be with us, but we find it difficult to share it
with those who need it most.  You fill us with an
abundance of gifts, but we think we need them all
for ourselves.
Forgive us, God of Gentle Hope.  You do not
keep a list of all that we have done wrong, but erase
our failings and foolishness, writing a new ending for
our lives.  You touch us with your grace, you lift us to
our feet, you strengthen us so we may follow our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ, in service to all your children.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon
L:    This is the good news, dear friends:  God’s love
has no ending; God’s hope rests upon us each day;
God’s forgiveness restores us to new life.
P:    Our God listens to us – to our cries, and to our joys;
to our hopes and to our hearts.  Thanks be to God,
we are forgiven.  Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Thom Shuman, author of Lectionary Liturgies.