Prayer of Confession: Proper 11 C

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 11 C, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, especially Luke 10: 38-42 and Psalm 15.

Confession
(inspired by Luke 10: 38-42)

Gracious, inviting God,
you continually provide us with opportunities
to practice generous hospitality. 

But our fear of difference,
reluctance to share,
and desire to be in control
make our welcome appear weak and insincere. 

Because we long for what is familiar and comfortable,
we have difficulty honoring the stranger as a sacred guest
who bears the face of Christ. 

Worn out and irritated by the work we think we must do,
we miss opportunities to receive the gifts that such guests offer us. 

Forgive us, O God, for focusing on the wrong things. 
Show us how to do what is right.

Silent prayer

Assurance of Pardon
(inspired by Psalm 15)

The Psalmist declares that those who speak the truth from their heart
will abide in God’s sanctuary. 
God hears the difficult truths we have named aloud and in the silence of our hearts. 
Now let the wonderful gift of God’s forgiveness flow through you. 
May the abundance of God’s mercy and grace set you free to serve God with love.

Thanks be to God!  Amen.

~ from Welcome the Guest: Service Prayers for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, written by Rev. Heather A. Moody. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/