JohnW

Prayer of Confession – Isaiah 42:5-7

(each section is a portion of the sanctuary seating)

Leader: Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out…
Section 1: We confess that we have polluted and over-consumed, living a life that uses up resources with no plans for renewal.
Leader: Who spread out the earth and what comes from it…
Section 2: We confess we have only paid attention to our corner of the house, of town, of the church, of the world.
Leader: Who gives breath the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it,,,
Section 3: We confess that we have stood by and watched when others cannot breathe.
Leader: I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations…
Section 1: We confess we have lived no differently from those who worship no God.
Leader: To open the eyes that are blind…
Section 2: We confess that we have not pointed out injustice.
Leader: To bring out the prisoners from the dungeon…
Section 3: We confess that we have not shared the good news of your love and forgiveness.
Leader: From the prison those who sit in darkness.
All: Forgive us our sins, loving and powerful God. We confess these out loud and others to you, silently now.

Time of Silent Confession

Assurance of God’s Pardon – Isaiah 42:8-9

Leader: Listen to what God says through the prophet Isaiah, “I am the Lord, that is my name. …See, the former things that have come to pass, and new things I now declare.” In the name of the Lord, I declare forgiveness. I declare mercy. I declare love that is stronger than sin and death. And I declare these things to you.
Sisters and brothers in Christ, believe the good news of the Gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Submitted by Rev. John Weicher, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, Swarthmore, PA