Prayer of Confession: Proper 29C

Here’s an act of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 29, Year C.  It was written by James E. Janecek.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Jeremiah 23: 1-6)

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,
even at times not knowing
that we were blocking the work of divine love.
Forgive us for driving others away from the land
of justice and safety.

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,
even at times not knowing
that we were blocking the work of divine love.
Forgive us for not attending to the needs of others.

We have sinned against both Shepherd and flock,
even at times not knowing
that we were blocking the work of divine love.
Forgive us for not bringing back to the fold
those who are fearful,
and have gone missing from community.

Assurance of Pardon
(inspired by Luke 23: 33-43, Colossians 1:20-22)

Like the bandits who were crucified next to Jesus,
we too are forgiven—
no matter how much we may have scoffed at the Shepherd’s love,
no matter that sometimes we may not have known what we were doing. 
For in the Shepherd all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through the Shepherd God was pleased to reconcile to God all things,
whether on earth or in the heaven,
by making peace through the blood of the cross. 
The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has remembered us and forgiven us---
the gates of Paradise have been unlocked;
we are free to enter where the Shepherd reigns forever and ever!
Thanks be to God!

~ written by James E. Janecek, in The Shepherd Reigns. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/