Lent Confession: Facing the Wilderness


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 /