A Prayer of Confession

Father, we are so easily caught up in this world. In our fears and idols, our sins and lusts. We are the abandoners and the ones who feel abandoned. We are the betrayers and the ones who feel betrayed. We can’t muster forgiveness for those who have wounded us, or for ourselves when we have wounded others. We forget that you already said It is Finished. Remind us this morning that we are forgiven and that you have bought our freedom.

Forgive us Lord for turning back to our chains. For believing the enemy’s lies and for allowing ourselves to be more shaped by the ways of the world than we are by your grace. 

Give us hearts that allow for your spirit to move, even right here and now. Thank you Father for new life this morning. For the promises you have made and are fulfilling in this place, for the picture you give us in Baptism of death to life.

Remind us this morning that you have a role for each member of your body. That your Word and your love will not return void. That you are working it all, even the parts that seem really terrible, for our good and your glory. Give us strength to carry on where we are weary.  Grant us grace where we feel ragged. And cover us in your peace that passes understanding in the places where we are afraid or angry. We believe your promises Father, help our unbelief. 

Thank you for the ways you are transforming this family, your body. Thank you for the ways your Kingdom keeps coming, regardless of how badly we mess everything up. God make us a people in this city who are brave and tender. Who extend grace and who build the kind of relationships that point people back to you. We pray that every person in this place this morning will recognize their own belovedness. That we will each walk in the freedom and forgiveness you offer. And by your grace, give us the courage and love to extend that same freedom to every person we encounter inside these doors and outside of them. 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.  - Ephesians 1:7-8a