Confession: Isaiah 61

Here’s an act of confession based on Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11.  It was written by Rev. Penny L. Lowes, a minister in the United Church of Christ, currently serving as Senior Pastor at the Congregational Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Call to Confession

God loves justice and despises wrongdoing,
yet God is faithful in recompense
and has made an everlasting covenant
with those who turn from sinful ways
and strive earnestly for righteousness.
May the whispers of our hearts be pleasing to God.

Prayer of Confession

We bow our heads in holy reverence.
Oh God, we long to be free of burdens that hold us captive.
We long to be bearers of good news to the oppressed.
We long to return to your favor.
Forgive us our transgressions;
loosen the chains of doubt that bind us.
Hear our prayers…     

Silent Prayer

Affirmation of Forgiveness
You are forgiven!
God loves you.

God blesses you with new beginnings and new life.
Put aside your old ways and become new!
God gives a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning.
Sing, dance, rejoice!
Never forget the gift of God’s redeeming grace. Amen.  

— written by Rev. Penny L. Lowes. These resources are part of a larger collection called From Tears to Rejoicing: Service Prayers for the Third Sunday of Advent. They were posted on the Worship Ways website of the United Church of Christ.