Here’s an act of confession based on the lectionary texts for September 18, 2011 (Psalm 145, Philippians 1:21-30 and Matthew 20:1-16). It was written by Bill Wesner.
Prayer of Confession
Let us put aside the arrogance of our religion
and have confidence in God.
(pause- because arrogance takes a moment to put aside)
O Lord...
we count on your mercy,
yet expect you to punish the wicked.
We serve you in faith,
but when others don’t,
we forget the joy of doing your work.
We pout in our prosperity
when you distribute your generosity so . . . “unjustly”.
Forgive us Lord for the sins we know in our hearts.
Save us Lord from the sins we hide.
(pause for reflection and self-examination)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Jesus Christ, the only son of our Heavenly Father,
comes so that we might know God’s mercy.
He suffered and died paying the wages of our sin.
Our sins are forgiven.
We have been graciously granted the privilege of believing in Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit
we may live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
In the name of Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
— Bill Wesner, and posted on his blog, Confession RCL. Visit his site for other weekly prayers of confession.
For more worship resources related to the texts for September 18, 2011 (the fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 20A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
