Here’s a thoughtful prayer of confession and words of assurance for the third Sunday after Epiphany (January 22, 2012). It was written by Rev. Madison Shockley of Carlsbad, CA.
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, what a blessing and privilege we share
here in this sacred space and among this loving community.
But, like Jonah, we sometimes are jealous of what we share here.
We know that others are longing and thirsting for what we know and experience.
Forgive us our reluctance to open our doors,
open our hearts to others; some like us, some not.
We repent of our hesitations and unwillingness
to witness to those we have considered strangers and even enemies
for fear they just might become friends. Amen.
here in this sacred space and among this loving community.
But, like Jonah, we sometimes are jealous of what we share here.
We know that others are longing and thirsting for what we know and experience.
Forgive us our reluctance to open our doors,
open our hearts to others; some like us, some not.
We repent of our hesitations and unwillingness
to witness to those we have considered strangers and even enemies
for fear they just might become friends. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The one who calls us to this place
calls us to reconciliation through grace.
God will not deny a repentant heart or an open spirit.
Know that you are forgiven
and walk in the new way that is made known to you in God's love. Amen
— written by the Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor of the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, CA. It is part of a larger liturgy called Reluctant Evangelists: Service Prayers for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. Visit that site for other good worship resources for Epiphany.
For more worship resources for the Epiphany season, click on Epiphany, or Epiphany 1 B, 2 B, etc. in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
For more prayers of confession or words of assurance, see the Index at the upper right side of the page.
