Confession: Unity in Christ


Here’s an act of confession for the first Sunday in October (World Communion Sunday).  It was written by Thom Shuman.

 

Call to Reconciliation

We marginalize peace, yet it is the horizon towards which we journey.
We are divided from others, not so much by belief, but by fear.
On this day of unity around God's Table
with our sisters and brothers throughout the world,
let us confess how we have not lived as God's beloved children.
Please join me as we pray, saying,

Unison Prayer of Confession

We have not been your people, Preparer of Peace.  When we could see our brother Jesus in others, we turn away from those who are unlike us, who scare us.  When we could offer peace to those around us, we break our promises, we hoard grudges in our hearts, we pander to prejudice.  When we could speak of hope, we fling words that shatter another's heart. When we could live as one with all people, we try to push them as far away from us as possible.

Redeem us, Lover of Peace, and pour out your grace upon us. May the warmth of your tenderness melt our frozen souls, may the balm of your words mend any broken hearts we have damaged, may we be as trusting and vulnerable as a little child, as we follow Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Brother, into your kingdom of joy.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

The forgiveness of God be upon you; 
the peace of Christ rest upon you; 
the grace of the Holy Spirit be the gift which is placed in your life,
this day and forever.
From this day to the end of eternity,
we are God's children: 
citizens of God's kingdom,
brothers and sisters of the Prince of Peace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

~ written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies.  Visit that site for many other excellent worship resources.  http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/