Here’s an act of confession, written by Rev. Kaji R. Spellman, a United Church of Christ Pastor who serves as a pastor of Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in New York City.
Prayer of Confession
Happy are those who turn away from the counsel of the wicked.
But oh, that counsel can be so seductive –
it draws us in, holds us fast, distracts our priorities,
obstructs our capacity to love.
But we seek no obstructions, we reject wicked counsel.
We embrace God’s embrace.
For whatever ways we don’t, we confess.
In whichever ways we sin, we repent.
Hear our prayers, O God, as, before you, we seek wholeness.
Silence
God of mercy, grace, reconciliation and goodness:
We are sorry for so much—
for words we cannot bear to say
for memories we cannot bear to relive
for thoughts we cannot bear to admit.
But you know our hearts.
Relieve us of our burdens,
Bind our hearts not to the unbearable but rather, to you
so that, in all ways, we may live in the joy of your salvation
and the delight of your loving embrace.
Silence
Assurance of Pardon
Happy are we, holy people, when we walk in the ways of our God.
Happy are we, beloved ones, as we receive God’s forgiveness.
Happy are we, God’s own,
because we are made whole, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
— written by Rev. Kaji R. Spellman. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. Visit that site for other good lectionary-based resources.
