Here’s
a unison prayer of confession inspired by the events in Mark 6:17-29. It was
written by Rev. Jan Brooks, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls,
Kansas.
Prayer of
Confession
(inspired by Mark 6:17-29)
How many times, O Lord, do we live in unbelief?
Our doubts surround us
and we find it hard to know what is true and what
is real.
Help us, gracious Savior,
to know what is the right way to live
according to God’s Holy Word.
Forgive us for the ways in which we live
according to what is right in our own eyes.
Help us, merciful God,
to look beyond knowing Jesus only as a good
teacher,
a righteous and holy person.
Forgive us when we fail to understand and accept
that Christ is truly the promised Messiah, Your
Son.
Help us, guiding Holy Spirit,
to open our hearts to be led and taught
in the ways of the kingdom of God.
Forgive us when we seek to please others
more than we seek to love and please God.
Help us, O Holy One, to turn our hearts,
to offer our prayers
and to accept the forgiveness you offer
to all who come to You,
in the acceptance of Your Son Jesus,
our Savior and Lord!
(a time of silent
confession, ending with…In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.)
Assurance of Forgiveness
(based on Isaiah 29: 22-24)
This is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says,
“No longer will their faces grow pale.
They will keep my name holy;
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
When they do,
those who are wayward in spirit
will gain understanding
and those who complain
will accept instruction.”
And those who are faithful
will know that forgiveness is ours
through the promised Son of God!
Believe
and have faith in God’s mercy and grace,
given
to all who proclaim and believe
that
in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
~ written
by Rev. Jan Brooks, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls,
Kansas.
