Here’s an act of confession based on the scripture texts for November 20, 2011 (Proper 29A, Ordinary 34A). It was written by Thom Shuman and posted on his wonderful Lectionary Liturgies blog.
Call to Reconciliation
They are the promises stretching back into the dim recesses of time, yet as new as this very moment. When we lose our way, God searches for us until we are found. When we hurt others, God brings healing to all. When we sin, God forgives us. Let us hold these promises close to our hearts, as we confess those things we try to hide.
Unison Prayer of Confession
We stock the food pantries,
but brush aside those
who hunger for friendship.
We give our hand-me-downs away,
but overlook those whose hopes
have been stripped away.
We glad-hand those just like us,
but turn a deaf ear to
our neighbors who 'talk funny.'
Forgive us, Hope of the ages.
You persistently search for us in the side streets of the world, gathering us up and bringing us home, so we may be drenched in the waters of your bottomless pool of forgiveness, watched over by your Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
They are the promises stretching back into the dim recesses of time, yet as new as this very moment. When we lose our way, God searches for us until we are found. When we hurt others, God brings healing to all. When we sin, God forgives us. Let us hold these promises close to our hearts, as we confess those things we try to hide.
Unison Prayer of Confession
We stock the food pantries,
but brush aside those
who hunger for friendship.
We give our hand-me-downs away,
but overlook those whose hopes
have been stripped away.
We glad-hand those just like us,
but turn a deaf ear to
our neighbors who 'talk funny.'
Forgive us, Hope of the ages.
You persistently search for us in the side streets of the world, gathering us up and bringing us home, so we may be drenched in the waters of your bottomless pool of forgiveness, watched over by your Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
God searches for the lost,
and finds us;
God searches for the lost,
and finds us;
God invites the hungry to the table,
and feeds us;
God sends Jesus,
and frees us from death's prison;
and frees us from death's prison;
God forgives all who sin,
and heals us with mercy and grace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
and heals us with mercy and grace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his excellent Lectionary Liturgies website. Visit that site for other great lectionary-based worship resources.
For more worship resources related to this text, or other texts for November 20, 2011 (Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday), click on Proper 29A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
For other resources related to confession, click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index.
