Here’s
an act of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany
5, Year A in the Revised Common Lectionary – especially Deuteronomy 30:15-20
and Matthew 5:21-37. It was written by Rev. Mindi and posted on Rev-o-lution.
Prayer
of Brokenness/Confession
Almighty
God,
we
confess that we have taken Your commandments
and
turned them into rules.
We
have criticized those who have fallen short
and
selfishly proclaimed ourselves righteous.
We
have failed to understand the spirit of the commandments
and
the Way that was shown by You to live,
loving
God and loving our neighbors.
Forgive
us for turning Your law into burdens
for
others and ourselves,
instead
of a Way to love and freedom in You.
In
the name of Christ,
who
has given us the Way and leads us on, we pray. Amen.
Assurance
of Pardon
You
are loved.
Love
is the Way.
When
you love God, you love others.
When
you truly lay down your life for others,
you
lay down your life for God.
Give
yourself to God by serving others.
Know
that in God’s love there is forgiveness,
healing,
and reconciliation. Amen.
