Here’s a responsive prayer of confession inspired by Psalm 51. It was
written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the Stillpoint
Spirituality Centre website. Although it was intended as a prayer for the
start of Lent, it would be suitable anytime Psalm 51 was being used.
Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Psalm 51)
On this first day of
Lent
we pause,
look within
and examine our
consciousness.
Have mercy on us, O
God,
according to your
steadfast love.
Where we have
neglected prayer,
been apathetic in
worship,
found reasons to
avoid generosity,
or lacked compassion:
Have mercy on us, O
God,
according to your
steadfast love.
Where we have
colluded
in the oppression of
those
who become invisible
in their suffering,
and ignored on the
streets:
Have mercy on us, O
God,
according to your
steadfast love.
Where anxiety has
eroded the gift of Your peace,
and where we have
cared too much about what others think:
Have mercy on us, O
God,
according to your
steadfast love.
Words of Assurance
As Lent begins,
know that God
understands how we struggle
to stay open and
compassionate.
The invitation is not
to focus on our inadequacies,
but on God’s gift of
grace and love
which transforms our
hearts and minds.
That gift is given to
us again, here and now.
Be encouraged.
May the peace of God
be with you
and also with you.
~
written by Ann Siddall, and posted on
the website of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre. http://www.stillpointsa.org.au/
