We are filled with words;
and yet, it often seems as if we have nothing to say.
We like to speak when it serves our own purpose…
but we clam up when we’re asked to be prophetic.
We make excuses about disrupting the status quo…
or not wanting to risk our safe reputations.
The truth is…we are encouraged to speak out…
but all we can manage to say is, “What should I say?”
So give us transforming words…and empower us to speak them…
confession
confession and pardon for Advent – God of wonder
Submitted by Shannon Meacham, Pastor, Bethany Presbyterian Church, Menands, NY
confession:
God of Wonder,
your works are mighty and your promises never failing.
Yet we turn from you,
wanting the promise to come too quickly.
Not understanding the depth of your mystery,
we become impatient and demand everything now.
As we wait for your Son,
who will be our wonder-filled counselor,
we ask your forgiveness in our impatience.
We pray to behold your glory, steadfast and true.
Open our hearts and pray for your peace to enter them.
For you have done wonderful things, Emmanuel;
come and forgive us;
come and let us stand in awe before you.
declaration of forgiveness:
One: The depth of the Wonder of Christmas is unending, so stand in awe of this promise declared to you. Christ did not come to the world to condemn but to set us free.
Many: We will not ignore the fact that God comes to speak tenderly to
us of hope, of love, of joy and of peace. Thanks be to God. Amen.
the peace:
One: Isaiah said. “A child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In this same Spirit I say to you, the Peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with You.
confession: humility
God…
We want to be humble.
We don’t like to call attention to ourselves…
unless we’re doing something.
We don’t assume that we have all the answers…
unless we’re still breathing.
We don’t want to be given titles…
unless we can use them for our own advantage.
We want to be humble…
because you said it will make us great.
Help us understand what humility means…
and teach us to be faithful servants…
to ourseves, to one another, and to those around us…
call to confession / declaration of forgiveness: mind over matter
submitted by Rev. Scott Cervas, Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church, based on the epistle reading, Romans 7:15-25a.
We know what is good,
but we often do what is not.
So please join me in the prayer of confession…
(insert prayer of confession here)
Listen to the good news!
Though we know what is good,
and often do what is not,
God frees us from our guilt
so that we might be renewed
to accept our potential as part of God’s very good creation.
So let’s sing and give thanks to God!
confession: passing blame
submitted by Rev. Scott Cervas, Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church, based on the epistle reading, Romans 7:15-25a.
God…sometimes, there is nothing more freeing than to utter those six innocent words…The Devil Made Me Do It! Life is so much easier when we can avoid the blame for our own mistakes. The sooner we can turn everyone’s attention away from our weaknesses, the better. That’s what we think, anyway. We don’t like to be accused. We don’t like to be wrong. And we certainly don’t like to be guilty. So we pass the blame, and fail to get to the heart of the issue. Help us to claim our mistakes, to learn from them, to grow out of them, and to be transformed by your vision for our lives…
recent comments