Here’s a prayer of confession based on the suggested scripture texts for October 9, 2011 (Proper 23A, Ordinary 28A). It was written by Bob Gross and posted on the United Church of Christ website.
Confession & Assurance
(based on Exodus 32: 1-14; Philippians 4: 1-9, Matthew 22: 1-14)
God pours blessings upon us, even as we choose to go our own way.
God is present and seeks to bring healing and wholeness to all.
Therefore,
I invite you to confess all that would separate you from God or one another.
Let us pray.
When we have fashioned idols of our own desire
or worshiped the temples of our own tradition,
Lord, have mercy.
Time for personal reflection and confession.
When have denied your invitation to the banquet of love and justice,
or failed to extend the invitation to others,
Christ, have mercy.
Time for personal reflection and confession.
When we have adorned ourselves with worry rather than joy
or failed to be gentle, knowing you are near,
Lord, have mercy.
Time for personal reflection and confession.
Assurance of Pardon
Praise be to God, our sins are forgiven.
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Praise God!
— from Standing in the Gap, written by Rev. Dr. Bob Gross, OCC, pastor at Lake Avenue United Church of Christ, Elyria, OH and posted on the United Church of Christ website.
