confession: easier

Call to Confession

If we say we have no sin, we deceive only ourselves, and we leave no room for God’s truth to dwell in us. When we confess our sin, we are able to experience the abundant mercy of God’s everlasting grace, right here and right now. Before God, with the people of God, let us confess to our brokenness. Let us pray.

Prayer of Confession

All:  God, your will is for all creation to have abundant life. We confess that sometimes we do not understand your way, and often we prefer to walk our own way. We confess that sometimes we have received your good gift, then allowed that gift to become our god. We confess that it is easier to ask you to bless what we want to do, rather than to ask for the courage to do what you are blessing. Forgive our hard hearts and closed minds, our selfish ambition and cultural bondage. Free us to follow your way of justice, peace, and love.

~silence~

Gracious God,

silence every voice in us but your own, that we may be your faithful people. We pray in the name of the One who lived every moment in obedience to you, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. From before the beginning until long beyond our imagination, God’s love endures. Know that you are forgiven, loved and free. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL