Here’s a congregational prayer
of confession inspired the time Jesus spent facing temptation in the desert
(Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:9-15, Luke 4:1-13). It was adapted from a prayer by
Rev. Ron Gordon.
Prayer of Confession:
Facing the Wilderness
(inspired
by Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:9-15, Luke 4:1-13)
Jesus Christ boldly faced
the wilderness,
its dangers and wonders.
He struggled with his
mission
to make known God’s loving
purposes for all people.
Guarded and guided by
God’s Spirit,
he was triumphant and
began to proclaim the Gospel,
and the hope that the
reign of God would bring oppression to and end
and deliverance for those
held captive.
On our lack of repentance
and our failure to believe the good news:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
your victory in the desert
assures us
that as you followed the
way of the cross
there were victories over
evil in its many forms
until its powers were
broken on the cross,
and you were raised
triumphant forever.
On our lack of repentance
and our failure to believe the good news:
Christ, have mercy.
Grant us vision and
courage
that in our time we may
recognize and struggle
with all oppressing and dehumanizing
forces in the world,
and become signs of the
in-breaking of the reign of God.
On our lack of repentance
and our failure to believe the good news:
Lord, have mercy.
~ adapted from a prayer by
Rev. Ron Gordon. Posted on http://pilgrimwr.unitingchurch.org.au /
