Here’s an act of confession based on the suggested scripture readings for the third Sunday of Lent, Year B (2012). It comes from the Ministry Matters website.
Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Exodus 20, Psalm 19, John 2: 13-22)
With hearts of sorrow,
we come before you, O God,
to confess what you already know—
we have failed to keep your laws.
Again and again,
we have followed our own selfish will,
rather than your holy and life-giving will
for our lives.
We have twisted your decrees and institutions
to suit our preconceptions and interests
rather than your own.
Forgive us, O God,
and cleanse us from hidden faults,
that the words of our mouths,
and the meditations of all our hearts,
may be acceptable to you,
our Rock and our Redeemer.
we come before you, O God,
to confess what you already know—
we have failed to keep your laws.
Again and again,
we have followed our own selfish will,
rather than your holy and life-giving will
for our lives.
We have twisted your decrees and institutions
to suit our preconceptions and interests
rather than your own.
Forgive us, O God,
and cleanse us from hidden faults,
that the words of our mouths,
and the meditations of all our hearts,
may be acceptable to you,
our Rock and our Redeemer.
Words of Assurance
(inspired by Exodus 20: 1-17)
God shows steadfast love
and blesses to the thousandth generation
those who walk in God’s ways.
In love, God sent Jesus
to bless and redeem God’s people.
God forgives us our sins
and restores us to new life.
Let us rejoice in God’s mercy.
and blesses to the thousandth generation
those who walk in God’s ways.
In love, God sent Jesus
to bless and redeem God’s people.
God forgives us our sins
and restores us to new life.
Let us rejoice in God’s mercy.
— adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Ministry Matters website.
