Here is a
congregational act of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings
for Proper 24, Year B. It was written by Thom Shuman and posted on Lectionary Liturgies.
Prayer of Confession
Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark
10:35-45)
Call to Reconciliation
We do not pray in order to alleviate our guilt, but to express our gratitude to God. For we know all the things we have said and done that we shouldn't, and all those words we could have spoken, all those actions we could have undertaken, but did not. Despite such lives, God still loves us, surrounding us with mercy and hope, waiting to restore us to new life. Please join me, as we pray together saying,
We do not pray in order to alleviate our guilt, but to express our gratitude to God. For we know all the things we have said and done that we shouldn't, and all those words we could have spoken, all those actions we could have undertaken, but did not. Despite such lives, God still loves us, surrounding us with mercy and hope, waiting to restore us to new life. Please join me, as we pray together saying,
Unison Prayer for
Forgiveness
Creation's Heart, we
look around and see how we fall short in our attempts at faithfulness. We often
do things, not because it is what you call us to do, but in hopes of earning
points with you. We can become so self-absorbed, we cannot see the suffering
and struggles of friends, family, strangers.
We are so desperate to get to the front of the line, we push aside the
very ones you seek to honor.
Forgive us, Holy One.
Remind us that the cup we are offered overflows with grace, that the waters of
baptism cleanse and make us new, and that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is
the One who calls us to service, standing by our side, as we seek to be
faithful disciples.
Silence is
kept
Assurance of Pardon
The One who
poured the foundations of creation fills us with grace and hope. The One who
numbered the clouds, tips over rain barrels of living water into our parched
souls.
The One who writes
anthems for the early morning stars, fills us with songs of joy. The One who
provides food for all living things, feeds us with mercies which come fresh and
new each day. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven.
Amen.
Prayer of
Dedication/Offering
May our gifts
lay a foundation of hope for all in despair; may the brighten the shadows of
those who wander alone; may they cause the voiceless to join the morning stars
in singing your praises. This we pray in
Jesus' name, Amen.
~ written by
Thom M. Shuman and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/
