Prayer of Confession & Commitment: August 7, 2011

Here is a prayer of confession and commitment for Proper 14A (August 7, 2011), based on three of the suggested lectionary texts for that Sunday: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (where Jospeh is sold into slavery by his own brothers); Matthew 14:22-33 (where Peter attempts to follow Jesus’ example by walking on water); and I Kings 19:9-18 (where the prophet Elijah finds himself fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel).

Confession & Commitment

(based on Gen. 37:1-28; Matt. 14:22-33; I Kings 19:9-18)

God,

we confess that we do not always understand Your ways.

We are easily discouraged when life takes unexpected turns

and our carefully laid plans and dreams come to nothing.

We confess that we are quick to give up when things get difficult,

and quick to question Your presence and Your power.

Forgive us.

Grant us patience to wait for Your good timing.

Open our eyes to recognize Your leading in our lives—

to listen for Your gentle whisper when we least expect it.

And then give us courage to step out in faith and obedience,

trusting in Your leading even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

We praise You for Your faithful love,

and pray that You would make us worthy to bear Your name.

Amen.

The texts listed above are three of the suggested scriptures for August 7, 2011 (the eighth Sunday after Pentecost).  For more worship resources related to these texts, click on Proper 14A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  

 

For more resources related to confession, click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index.  For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Prayer index.