Confession: Proper 9 C

Here’s an act of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 9, Year C (the 7th Sunday after Pentecost) – especially Psalm 30, Galatians 6:1-16 and Luke 10. It was written by Thom Shuman.

Call to Reconciliation

Unlike ours, God's anger does not last.
But God's favor, God's grace, God's forgiveness are for us,
not just in this moment, but forever.
How can we not want to confess to such a One who is ready to heal us?
Please join me as we pray, saying,

Unison Prayer of Confession

Holy One,
why is it that we can grow so weary of doing what is right,
yet always energetically do that which we know is harmful
to us and others?
We sow seeds of hurt and anger,
and wonder why we harvest so much bitterness.
We spend too much time comparing ourselves to those around us,
and too few moments in following Christ's example.

Rather than letting our sins gloat over us, Healing God,
we would open ourselves to your mercy and grace.  
As you reach out to heal us with your forgiveness,
may we embrace your love, your mercy, your grace for our lives.  
As you pour out your Spirit of gentleness,
may we bring the peace of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, to all the world.

Silence may be kept

Assurance of Pardon
Sing praises to our God, faithful children. 
God has heard our prayers and made us whole.
We will not be silent,
but will sing our joy to the One who has forgiven us
and made us a new creation.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

~ written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/