Here’s an act of confession based on the suggested scripture texts for November 13, 2011 (Proper 28A, Ordinary 33A). It was written by Thom Shuman and posted on his excellent Lectionary Liturgies website.
Call to Reconciliation
When we remember all the mistakes we have made, all the careless words we have spoken, all the contempt we have given to those around us, we have trouble looking God in the eye. But God gazes at us with mercy and love, waiting to forgive us, even as we hesitate to speak of the brokenness of our hearts.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession
Again we must confess, Master of the Universe,
our struggles to be faithful disciples.
Entrusted with all your gifts,
we become fearful once again of misusing them,
missing the chance to be a blessing to others.
Invited to dance in the light of your love,
we stand against the wall once again,
keeping company with our old friend, sin.
Called to be emptied for those who struggle in life,
we fill ourselves once again, with scorn
for the poor choices they make.
Have mercy, Journeying God, have mercy on us.
Once again, open our eyes to your kingdom in our midst, so we might discover that your day of hope and grace has already come in Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Savior.Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
our struggles to be faithful disciples.
Entrusted with all your gifts,
we become fearful once again of misusing them,
missing the chance to be a blessing to others.
Invited to dance in the light of your love,
we stand against the wall once again,
keeping company with our old friend, sin.
Called to be emptied for those who struggle in life,
we fill ourselves once again, with scorn
for the poor choices they make.
Have mercy, Journeying God, have mercy on us.
Once again, open our eyes to your kingdom in our midst, so we might discover that your day of hope and grace has already come in Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Savior.Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
This is the good news: God intends for us to find life, to embrace hope, to receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Servant.
The end of our journey is not rejection and emptiness, but the fullness of grace and hope in our God. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.
The end of our journey is not rejection and emptiness, but the fullness of grace and hope in our God. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.
— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his excellent Lectionary Liturgies website. Visit that site for other great lectionary-based worship resources for this and other Sundays.
For more worship resources related to the texts for November 13, 2011 (the twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 28A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
