Prayer of Confession for All Saints Day

Here is a prayer of repentance for All Saints Day (November 1 or the Sunday closest).  It was written by Bruce Prewer and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage.

Prayer of Repentance for All Saints Day

If we have placed our only hope
in the things we can see and touch,
and have denied ourselves, or those close to us,
that greater hope in the glory of things unseen.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

If we have chosen to nurse our grief
for the loss of dear ones
with the bitterness of those who weep
without hope or faith in your saving love,
Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy.

If we put the saints on pious pedestals,
and restrict ourselves to a diminished respect
for our own capacity to grow in the knowledge and love of God,
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

God of love,
we thank you for your patience.
You have given us many guides and helpers to inspire us,
and have given us the word  
that one day we shall be as Christ Jesus is;
yet we have been slow to hear,
reluctant to learn
and sluggish in our efforts.
We repent this our lack of faith and love,
and ask that the love of Jesus Christ
which so healed and uplifted the saints,
may mercifully deal with our sins
and empower our renewed good intentions.

Through Christ Jesus our Saviour.  Amen.

Words of Assurance

My friends,
the victory that overcomes
the pessimism and recriminations of the world,
is faith.
For who is victorious
except those who put their trust in Jesus,
the only true Son of God?

It is in his name that I declare to all repentant people:
You sins are forgiven you.
Go in peace.
Thanks be to God!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage.  http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocA/61SAINTS.htm