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
