confession

A few weeks ago our church was entering into a time of making an important decision, and there was naturally conflict within us and among us. In hindsight, none of us was immune from seeing the situation from a human point of view, as the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5. 16. And so we began the meeting in the sanctuary, with a brief time of worship and offering of gifts. I did give a prayer of confession at that time, and several people have asked for a copy. Here it is:

O God
we confess that we have sinned
in what we have done
and in what we have failed to do.

We are not of one mind as we gather;
save us from the sin of judging one another.

We have not always been patient with each other;
save us from the sin of dismissing each other.

We have not always trusted each other;
save us from the sin of isolation.

We have not always reached out to one another;
save us from the sin of arrogance.

We have not always opened our hands to receive your grace;
save us from the sin of pride.

We have not always believed in your desire to reconcile;
save us from the sin of divisiveness.

O God
your cross stands in judgment over all of us
and yet embraces every one of us.

We repent
and open our hearts and minds
to your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.