Litany of Confession: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8.  It was written by Randall Wilkens.

 

A Responsive Prayer of Confession

(based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

 

Lord, Your word says love is patient and kind.

But we confess the times when we have been impatient and unkind.

 

Your word tells us that love does not envy,

that it does not boast,

and that it is not proud.

But we confess that sometimes we have been envious,

and boastful, and proud.

 

Your word says that love is not rude, and that it is not self-seeking,

But we confess that in many ways

we have been inconsiderate of those around us,

thinking only of ourselves.

 

Your word tells us that love is not easily angered,

and that it keeps no record of wrongs.

But we confess how quickly we fly off the handle,

and how carefully we keep score when we have been wronged.

 

Your word says that love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth,

that it always protects, always trusts, always hopes,

always perseveres.

 

Help us, Lord, not to take pleasure in what is evil,

but to always rejoice in the truth of Your love.

Protect us with Your love, Lord,

and help us to choose the way of trusting You,

putting our hope in You,

and persevering in Your ways,

knowing that love never fails,

and that You never fail. Amen.

 

~ written by Randall Wilkens, and posted on the website of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago, Illinois. http://www.covchurch.org/