Prayer of Confession: Ephesians 4

Here’s a prayer of confession based on Ephesians 4:25-5:2, the suggested epistle reading for Proper 14 B (Ordinary 19 B), the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. It was written by Moira Laidlaw.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2)

Lord Jesus Christ, as your followers

we are called to be people shaped by your ethical and selfless life—

one that is so much at odds with accepted lifestyles of today.

We confess how easy it is to be drawn into these worldly lifestyles

and we need your constant help to make our behaviour consistent with yours.

Forgive us when our words have been less than truthful—
inform us with your Spirit

so that we speak the truth—your truth—at all times.
    (silence)

Forgive us for using anger to manipulate and to control -
direct us with your Spirit

that we might handle our anger responsibly.
    (silence)

Forgive us when our actions have lacked total integrity -
mould us with your Spirit

so that all our dealings are carried out honestly and ethically.
    (silence)

Forgive us when our words have been thoughtless and offhand -
instruct us with your Spirit

so that our words truly bring grace to those who hear.
    (silence)

Renew us with your Spirit

so that our words and actions bring you pleasure and not pain.     (silence)

(Possible sung response: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me/us)

Fall afresh on us, O Holy Spirit,

and make our lives true reflections of  Jesus’ life,

so that we live, love, and forgive

as graciously and compassionately as he did. Amen

Assurance of Forgiveness

We are enabled to be kind to one another,

to be tenderhearted, to forgive one another, and to be forgiven,

because Jesus feeds us with his life.

A life given to save us from sin.

Hear, then, the good news:

those who are in Christ are a new creation;

the old has passed away,

behold, the new has come
Thanks be to God!

~ written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.  http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/