O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
We confess that we are no longer seeking anything because we believe we can longer be surprised. As those who live in a place of security we do not understand what it means to faint or to thirst. Have mercy on us.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
We have come into this sanctuary today with not enough reverence, not enough praise, and not enough awe for You. Have mercy upon us.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
We are afraid to make a spectacle of ourselves when we sing, or pray or praise You. Our worship is too clean, organized and so stay an arm’s length away from You. Have mercy on us.
But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals.
We look for revenge, we gloat and we rejoice when some around us stumble or fall. We have lost sight that we have participated in the destruction of life and are in danger of Your disappointment, wrath or anger. Have mercy on us.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
O Lord, You have been our help. In the shadow of Your wings we sing for joy. Our souls cling to you. Your hands hold onto us. We are reminded of Your forgiveness and Your mercy. We are reminded that in You we have new life. Alleluia. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
(Can be read responsively with the leader reading the scripture and then the Congregation responding, or by two voices, or by voices sprinkled throughout the Congregation.)
Submitted by Rev. Shannan Vance-Ocampo, Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church, North Plainfield, NJ
Leave a Reply