Carolyn Brown has written this intergenerational prayer of confession/assurance of pardon for use with the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32.
Confession
Lord God of the Universe, we are forgetful people.
We forget that you made this world
and that we are to care for it and protect it.
We forget that you created each of us
with wonderful talents and interests to enjoy
and to use in serving others.
We forget the rules you have given us for good and happy lives.
We forget that we are your people.
People with jobs to do.
Sometimes we "forget on purpose."
At other times, we just are so busy or want something so badly
that we really do forget.
We try to go our own way,
do what we want,
and make our own plans.
Forgive us in Jesus' name. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Another thing we forget is that God loves us very much.
God loves us enough to forgive us again and again and again.
God loves us so much that God lived among us, died,
and rose again in Jesus of Nazareth.
So whatever you forget,
always remember that God loves you and forgives you.
Thanks be to God!
— from Worship for Kids: October 9, 2011, written by Carolyn Brown, and posted on Ministry Matters website.
