Here’s a litany of confession and assurance based on Matthew 25: 1-13, one of the suggested scripture readings for Proper 27A (November 6, 2011). It was written by Katherine Hawker and posted on her Liturgies Outside the Box website.
Litany of Confession and Assurance
(based on Matthew 25: 1-13)
Ten lamps gathered, with oil enough for all.
Ten lamps gathered,
But five are empty showing careless disregard.
Ten lamps gathered,
Five blaze with oil abundant enough to share.
Ten lamps gathered,
Five lifeless when laziness and greed collide.
Ten lamps gathered…
How many will burn tonight?
Creator God, giver of oil, hear us as we pray…
For generous hearts to share oil with our neighbors.
Creator God, giver of oil, hear us as we pray…
For the vision necessary to leave our comfortable seats in search of oil.
Creator God, giver of oil, hear us as we pray…
For forgiveness for the ways our selfishness and our apathy collide.
Ten lamps gathered, with oil enough for all.
Come children of God, into a sacred circle
Where sharing creates abundance
And no one leaves hungry. Amen.
— Written for the Evangelical United Church of Christ. Copyright © Katherine Hawker, 1999. Posted on her Liturgies Outside the Box website.
