Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Mark 10:46-52, where Jesus
heals blind Bartimaeus. It was written
by Moira Laidlaw.
Prayer
of Confession
(inspired by Mark 10:46-52)
Lord Jesus Christ, even in the midst of a large, probably noisy crowd,
you helped Bartimaeus move from blindness to sight by focusing your power on
his cries for mercy and healing. The crowd and the attempt by some to silence
Bartimaeus did not distract you from responding to the needs of this blind
beggar. This interruption to your journey provides an example of the life you
call your disciples to live. The question, however, disturbs us—would we have
been among those who called out for Bartimaeus to be quiet? When we find
interruptions to our plans a source of irritation rather than an opportunity
for serving others in your name,
forgive us, Lord.
Bartimaeus’ desperation and cry for mercy is
echoed in the lives of many people in our own communities and throughout the
world. When we close our ears and our hearts to these cries and remind us that
following you means responding to those who cry for mercy,
forgive us, Lord.
Immediately Bartimaeus regained his sight, he
followed Jesus on the way. The way to discipleship is entered when our eyes are
graciously opened to see and to follow Christ in faith. When we find excuses to
delay responding to your call to discipleship,
forgive us, Lord.
Jesus, Saviour and Lord, enlighten our minds
with your wisdom, and imprint the image of your love once more on our hearts so
that we can focus anew on your presence and your power whenever and wherever
you call us to serve people in your name. Amen
Assurance
of Forgiveness (Hebrews 7:25)
Jesus is able for all time
to save those
who approach God through him,
since he always lives to
make intercession for them.
Hear then the good news
that in and through Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
~
written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online. http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/
