Here’s an act of confession based on John 20:19-31 and 1 John 1:1-2:2, two of the suggested scripture readings for the second Sunday of Easter, Year B. They were written by Moira Laidlaw.
Prayer of Confession
(based on John 20:19-31)
We gather here as a fellowship of people who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. One of the major marks of this fellowship is the sense of joy we experience as we gather to worship God , to give thanks for Jesus Christ and to witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Yet, we admit that there are times when we feel afraid, abandoned, and lonely; when faith leads to doubt and questions rather than a sense of joy or peace of mind. Lord Jesus Christ, unlike those first disciples, we cannot touch you or see you, and so it is all too easy to become downcast and given to despair.
Forgive us when, like the disciples,
we find the truth of Easter hard to believe.
Come to us, risen Christ, come through the closed doors of our hearts and minds
and take away our fears and doubts;
Come to us, risen Christ, breathe on us
and fill us with the joy and peace of your presence.
Bless us all as people who have not seen you,
but who believe that you are truly the risen Christ, Son of God. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
(based on 1 John 1:9, 2:1-2)
Hear the good news: "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness"....and ... if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
Thanks be to God. Amen
For more worship resources for Easter 2 B, click on Easter 2 Year B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
