Confession: Proper 13 C

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 13C. It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Psalm 107: 1-9, Colossians 3: 1-11, Luke 12: 13-21)

God is ready to satisfy those who thirst for goodness,
and those who are hungry for grace, will be filled with good things.
Let us in prayer make our confession..

If we were self-sufficient, and had all the answers,
we would not be here, all-wise God.
If our achievements matched our aims
and if our deeds perfectly reflected our holist vows,
we would not be so spiritually hungry, God of truth and grace.
If we had cared for our neighbours with the love of Jesus Christ,
and cherished our loved ones without selfishness or impatience,
we would not be seeking your mercy, redeeming God.

We bring to you our inept and evil ways,
and rest the troublesome load of frustration, disappointment,
regret and guilt in your hands.
Please wash the grime and infection from our wounds,
and anoint us with the salve of forgiveness.  
Take us gently by the chin and lift up our faces
so that we can look up into the face of Christ Jesus
without shame or fear.
With him let us recover our authentic humanity
and face all coming challenges with his quiet strength and optimism.
In his name we so pray.
Amen!

Words of Forgiveness

Family of God,
lift up your spirits with thanksgiving to God
whose nature is always to have mercy.
All who have come clean and sought forgiveness
shall never need to revisit old shame again.
The untarnished future is God’s
and it is now offered to you with open hands.
You are forgiven, all things have become new!
Through Christ Jesus our Saviour!
O give thanks to God who is so good,
whose love goes on forever!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C47sun18.htm