Leader: God’s call rings out through the world, God’s message to us.
People: God calls us to come back, to fast and weep, and ask for forgiveness.
Leader: We need to change our entire lives, what is inside of us, not just outside.
People: For our God is loving and compassionate.
Leader: We enter this season of Preparation by returning to the LORD.
All: Together, let us sound the trumpet and worship God!
submitted by Rev. Will Ryan, First Christian Church Burlington IA
call to confession / declaration of forgiveness
Confession: new order
Prayer of Confession
God of grace and mercy,
You create a new order for our lives:
Service before success,
Faith before knowledge,
Partnership over independence,
The cross over the crown.
Forgive us when we fall into the patterns of this world,
Rejecting your call through our action or inaction.
Forgive us, God, and move us to see the world through lens of your great love.
Forgive us, God, and grant us peace.
Assurance of Pardon
God forgives us of our sins,
Not because we are righteous, but because God is good.
God calls us to try again,
Not because we are strong, but because God will help us.
God calls us as disciples,
Not because we are worthy, but because we are loved.
God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom,
and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Through the love of God in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Anna George Traynham, Associate Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
Confession: Love Divine
Advent is a season of singing.
We sing as we prepare our hearts to receive Jesus.
Let us sing and pray our confession together:
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling v. 1
Lord Jesus, as we wait for your coming,
we admit the sin that holds us in captivity,
and we pray that you would change our hearts.
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling v. 2
Take away our love of sinning,
as we confess our sins before you in silence.
Time for silent confession.
Liberating God, set us free.
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling v. 3
Friends, hear the good news!
Our prayers have been heard.
Rejoice and sing with gladness, because our sins have been forgiven!
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling v. 4
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, IA
Confession + Pardon: Darkness + Light
Holy and Beloved God, it is hard to hope when all seems lost. The darkness has a way of fuzzing our vision, of taking our eyes off of your holy light. It’s hardest to see your light when our eyes are shut – shut to you, shut to each other, and shut to the suffering that is just barely disguised by thin smiles and haunted eyes. Yet, your light shines. Your hope abides with us, awakening us to your love, and calling us to share your light with each other. Help us prepare a way for you in our hearts, that your love might open our hearts to see you fully in the world. Amen.
silence or musical response: Prepare the Way (Glory to God #95)
Awake, people of God! Open your eyes, open your ears, and open your hearts! The Holy One arose, yes, arose even from the depths of death, and calls you to do the same, with messages of hope, peace, joy and love. Know that God’s love and grace are greater than sin! Know that you are forgiven!
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, Okla.
Confession/Pardon – Debts
Holy and Beloved God, we pray to you often, asking you to “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” – and then, in the next breath, we turn away from you and shake down our friends and families. Bring justice through the world, holy God, even though we may turn aside. Help us learn from our wounds – and the wounds we have inflicted on others – to turn away from violence both physical and fiscal. Make clear to us your vision, so that we can work together for the benefit of all. Amen.
Friends, hear the good news! God has already forgiven our debts, and repaid our sin.
God’s Spirit fills us with love and peace, and leads us to heal instead of hurt.
Therefore, let us forgive one another as God has forgiven us!
Amen!
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, OK
recent comments