Here’s a beautiful act of confession from Thom Shuman. He’s based it on the suggested scripture readings for Proper 10 B (Ordinary 15 B)—the seventh Sunday of Pentecost.
Call to Reconciliation
Peace is the heirloom promised to us,
forgiveness is the inheritance
Peace is the heirloom promised to us,
forgiveness is the inheritance
passed on to us through Christ.
May we know God's peace,
and be healed of our brokenness,
as we confess our sins to God, saying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Why are we always willing to descend into the
worst areas life offers to us, but reluctant to come
into your presence, Holy One? Why can we stand
on sin's shaky foundations, yet find it impossible to
dance in your joy? Why are we so quick to trumpet
our hollow achievements, and do not seem to be
able to hear your whispers of hope for us?
Forgive us, Grace's Glory, and fill us with your mercy.
May we set our hope in Jesus Christ,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Why are we always willing to descend into the
worst areas life offers to us, but reluctant to come
into your presence, Holy One? Why can we stand
on sin's shaky foundations, yet find it impossible to
dance in your joy? Why are we so quick to trumpet
our hollow achievements, and do not seem to be
able to hear your whispers of hope for us?
Forgive us, Grace's Glory, and fill us with your mercy.
May we set our hope in Jesus Christ,
who came so we might become your children,
inheritors of love, peace, and faithfulness forever.
Silent prayers may be offered.
Assurance of Pardon
In Christ, God's salvation has come;
Silent prayers may be offered.
Assurance of Pardon
In Christ, God's salvation has come;
God's peace kisses our cheeks, wiping away our tears,
and faithfulness takes us by the hand
to lead us home to God.
God has called us,
God has called us,
God has claimed us,
God has redeemed us.
This is good news for all of creation!
Thanks be to God. Amen.
~ written by Thom Shuman (2006), and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/ Visit that site for many other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.
