Prayer of Confession: Epiphany 2 B

Here’s a thoughtful prayer of confession/words of assurance based on the scripture texts for the second Sunday after Epiphany (January 15, 2012).  They were written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies blog.

Unison Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Psalm 139, John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3)

How foolish we are to think we can hide our failings from you, Seeing God. We treat our bodies as trash cans for junk food, not as sanctuaries for your Spirit. We get drunk on the seductions of our society, while daintily sipping at your living water. We doze under the tree of temptation, hoping you won't see us and expect us to get up and follow Jesus.

Forgive us, our heart's only Hope.
Your grace mends our brokenness,
making us whole;
your compassion removes our sin,
making us new;
your voice speaks tenderly to us,
silencing our pride,
your Love is made human
in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,
redeeming our lives.

Silent prayers may be offered

Assurance of Pardon
(inspired by Psalm 139)

In front of us, behind us, to our right,
to our left: look! God is there!
In our past, beside us today, waiting
in the future: look! God is there!
in the shadows, in the light:
look! God is there!
From the top of the mountains,
to the bottom of the seas;
in the morning, in the evening,
in every moment: God is with us!
Thanks be to God. Amen.

— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies website.  Visit that site for many other wonderful lectionary-based resources for worship.