(based on Exodus 17: 1-7, Philippians 2: 1-13; Matthew 21: 23-32)
Call to Reconciliation
All too often, we tell God we will do better, and be better,
and then just go on living the same way we always have.
Let this be the moment,
when we tell our God of our failures and faithlessness,
so we can go forth to work in that kingdom of grace and hope.
Join me as we pray,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession
We would want to be fountains of hope for others, God of glory,
but people find only hardened hearts.
We would like to be transformed people,
but our stubborn pride prevents us from bending a knee to you.
We long to stand with those who are in need,
but our selfishness keeps our backs rigid in judgment.
Forgive us, God who came down to us.
Forgive us, God who came down to us.
Humble us, that we might be true servants to the broken and lost.
Split open our frozen hearts,
that compassion might flow freely to those who are hurting.
Fill our minds with the presence of your Spirit,
that we might learn how to follow Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Savior,
into that kingdom of grace and hope.Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
This is the good news:
in Christ, God's plan for salvation was accomplished.
You are forgiven, you are made new.
We will complete God's joy
We will complete God's joy
by sharing compassion, forgiveness, hope,
with everyone we meet.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
— Thom Shuman, from Lectionary Liturgies. Check his site for many other excellent worship resources.
For other prayers of confession based on the texts for September 25, 2011, see also Act of Confession for September 25, 2011, Prayer of Confession: Called to Love, Prayer of Confession: Philippians 2: 1-13, or Prayer of Confession: Proper 21A.
You could also click on Confession or words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the right side of the page, or see this Confession & Assurance index.
For more worship resources related to the texts for September 25, 2011 (the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 21A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
