Here’s
a prayer of confession inspired by the story of the widow’s mite in Mark
12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. It was written
by Jason R. Jenkins and posted on the website of the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Mark
12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4)
Lord
God,
We ask that by your holy light
We ask that by your holy light
you
illuminate the instances in our lives
where
we have not lived up to your name.
We
denounce “obvious” evils in our society
such
as murder, rape, domestic violence,
thievery,
and sexual exploitation.
However,
we often fail to remember
that
your gospel calls us to see the world as you see it –
from
the vantage point of the “least of these.”
In
looking around us in this manner,
we
see the daily evils that boldly counter your gospel.
We
see societal ills that habitually oppress the poor.
We
see societal ills that blatantly disobey your Word.
We
confess that we have not been extravagantly generous
with
our time, resources, or prayers.
Lord,
forgive us.
Forgive
us for not speaking against
an
immoral budget that exploits our brothers and sisters.
Forgive
us for ignoring the plight of those
unable
to afford health care because of rising costs.
Forgive
us for denying the tremendous damage
that
racism does to our society.
Forgive
us for remaining silent over issues of immigration,
the
death penalty, and the need for a living wage.
Convict
us to act in the name of Jesus Christ for justice and mercy,
just
as you have shown toward all.
Remind
us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Forgive
us, dear Lord, for our daily hypocrisy.
Cleanse
our souls and our bodies
with
your saving grace. Amen.
-
written by Jason R. Jenkins and posted on the website of the North Carolina Council of Churches. http://www.ncchurches.org/lectionary-archive/year-b/extravagant-generosity-proper-27/
