Prayer of Confession: Proper 9 C

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 9 C (the 7th Sunday after Pentecost).  It was written by Rev. Heather A. Moody.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Luke 10:1-20, Galatians 6:1-16, and 2 Kings 5:1-14)

O God, we know that Jesus sent out his disciples
without purse, luggage, or sandals. 
All too often, we find ourselves clinging to possessions we don’t need,
looking for safety by avoiding risk,
and bearing heavy burdens that slow us down. 
Forgive us for our reluctance to travel lightly and heal us of our pain and guilt.

Forgive us and heal us, O God.

Holy One, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Galatians not to grow weary,
but to use every opportunity to work for the good of all. 
And yet, hectic schedules, competing demands, cynicism, and doubt
erode our commitment and leave us feeling burned out. 
Forgive us for any hollow excuses we are tempted to make
and heal us of our exhaustion.

Forgive us and heal us, O God.

O God, we confess that, like the warrior Naaman,
we sometimes think you only perform great complicated acts
in flashy and dramatic ways. 
We then fail to see how you are at work
in the simple tasks and ordinary experiences of everyday life. 
Forgive us for our misunderstanding and heal us of our sightlessness.

Forgive us and heal us, O God.

Silent Prayer

Assurance of Pardon

There is no pain that God cannot heal. 
There is no wrong that God cannot forgive. 
Come, immerse yourselves in the healing waters of God’s forgiveness. 
Come and be restored.  Let God make you whole.

Thanks be to God!  Amen.

~ from A Harvest of Joy, Healing, and Peace: Service Prayers for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost was written by Rev. Heather A. Moody. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/