Here’s an act of confession based on the lectionary texts for October 9, 2011 (Proper 23A, Ordinary 28A). It was written by Hans Holznagel.
Prayer of Confession
(based on Exodus 32:1-14, Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9)
God of mercy,
in our impatience for answers,
we sometimes turn to idols of our own making
and forget our covenant with you.
Passionate for what is right,
we wrong those with whom we differ.
Pleased at the invitation to your banquet,
we fail to arrive with humility and thanksgiving.
Forgive us when our faith is weak
and our zeal too strong.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
in our impatience for answers,
we sometimes turn to idols of our own making
and forget our covenant with you.
Passionate for what is right,
we wrong those with whom we differ.
Pleased at the invitation to your banquet,
we fail to arrive with humility and thanksgiving.
Forgive us when our faith is weak
and our zeal too strong.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
(based on Philippians 4:1-9, Psalm 106)
Do not worry; the Lord is near.
God hears our prayers with compassion
and with abundant, steadfast love.
Rejoice, for in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
God hears our prayers with compassion
and with abundant, steadfast love.
Rejoice, for in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
— by Hans Holznagel, adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual © 2008 Abingdon Press, and posted on the Ministry Matters website.
