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/
