Here’s a prayer of confession and commitment inspired by James 2:1-17. It was written by Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.
Prayer of Confession
Rabbi, Teacher Jesus,
You who taught thousands
And yet were willing to learn from the least of these,
We confess that we pretend to know
When in truth we still wonder.
Forgive our pretense,
That we may open ourselves to unexpected teachers,
To fresh ideas,
To one another,
To you.
Vulnerable Christ,
You who lived in generous love,
We confess that we have closed ourselves off,
That we have seen so much suffering
That we stop looking
Rather than see and respond to those in need.
Forgive our neglect
That we may care for one another
And follow in the example you set for us.
In your name we pray. Amen
Words of Assurance
Disciples, followers, students of the living Christ,
know that you are forgiven always
and freed to begin anew
through God's everlasting mercy and love.
~ written by Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor in Teaching the Teacher: An Intergenerational Liturgy for Christian Education Sunday. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/
