This prayer of confession works well during the Lent season too. We used it during communion this past Sunday.
Let’s pray this together. Read the underlined portions with me:
Lord, we know that Jesus,
who knew no sin and whose hands were clean,
became sin for us, that we might be called righteous,
clothed in white and called your children.
But at our best, we still feel as though we’re in rags.
Our best prayers are stained with sin,
Even our tears of repentance are full of impurity,
and our spiritual life is full of pride and selfishness.
Help us to repent of our repentance,
Wash our tears,
and cover us in your righteousness.
Like the prodigal son, we run to a far country,
and return home, crying, “Father forgive.”
In your mercy, you call us your children,
and you bring us clean garments.
Every morning, let us wear them.
Every evening, return in them.
May we live in your righteousness,
work in it,
share our homes in it,
be found in death in it,
and stand covered by it when we come before your throne.
May we never lose sight of
the sinfulness of sin
the righteousness of salvation,
the glory of Christ,
the beauty of holiness,
and the wonder of grace.
We ask this in the name of the One who makes it possible,
Jesus Christ,
Amen.
(An adapted Puritan prayer)
-used in worship Sunday, March 9th, 2009, at Sojourn Community Church
{ 0 comments… add one now }