Here’s another beautiful act of confession written by Thom Shuman. It’s based on the scripture readings for the fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B (March 18, 2012).
Call to Reconciliation
In becoming one of us, God became poor so we could receive the riches of mercy. In coming to us, God took on our death, so we could be made alive together with Christ. Come, offer your confessions, knowing that by grace you have been saved.
Unison Prayer of Confession
The words we speak all too often do not show you in our lives, God of our pilgrimage. We spend so much time boasting to others, they imagine we have no need for you. We grumble impatiently when you don't respond immediately to our requests, but are slow to sing your praises. We mutter under our breath about the behavior of those around us, when we could be asking them if there is some way we could serve them.
In becoming one of us, God became poor so we could receive the riches of mercy. In coming to us, God took on our death, so we could be made alive together with Christ. Come, offer your confessions, knowing that by grace you have been saved.
Unison Prayer of Confession
The words we speak all too often do not show you in our lives, God of our pilgrimage. We spend so much time boasting to others, they imagine we have no need for you. We grumble impatiently when you don't respond immediately to our requests, but are slow to sing your praises. We mutter under our breath about the behavior of those around us, when we could be asking them if there is some way we could serve them.
It is on our journey to the cross and the tomb that you fill us with the riches of your mercy, Steadfast Love! You do so, not because of any thing we have done, but because of the compassion which flows from your heart wounded by our failings. As we open our lives to receive your forgiveness, may we turn to the Light which brings us life, following Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, every step of the way.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
How much does God love us?
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
How much does God love us?
Enough to send the divine heart, hope, and spirit to us,
not to condemn us, but to save us.
Not by our speaking or doing,
Not by our speaking or doing,
but by God's good and precious grace are we saved.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies blog. Be sure to check out his blog for many other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.
