Confession: Mark 10: 35-45
Here’s
a prayer of confession inspired by Mark 10:35-45. It was written by Moira Laidlaw.
Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Mark 10:35-45)
Jesus said to his disciples
and says to us that lording it over others is unacceptable and that
“...whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever
wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all. For the Son
of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for
many.” Jesus, Friend and Saviour, we confess that all too often we
find pleasure in lording it over others—even here in church—and we need to hear
you speak these words about the true meaning of greatness directly to us.
Unclog our ears and tenderise our hearts
so that your words enliven our discipleship;
so that we put the needs of others before our own needs;
so that we share what we have rather than
hoarding it for ourselves,
and use our gifts to
benefit others
rather than increasing our own status and position.
Pause for silent
reflection
Lord Jesus Christ,
keep reminding us that following you
means emptying ourselves of all self-serving power
and filling ourselves with the desire to serve others as willingly as you
did.
Forgive any reluctance on our part to
follow your example;
replace any selfish
power-plays of ours with your inclusive love,
your compassion and your humility.
These prayers we offer in
your name and for your sake. Amen
