Luke 23:18 - But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas (whose name means 'son of the father').” 23:22 - A third time he [Pilate] said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. God, our heavenly Father, we … Continue reading Barabbas and Jesus – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
prayer of confession
Confessing Our Sin to the One who Restores Bruised Reeds (Matthew 12:20)
Father in heaven, we are those who have been bruised and broken by sin and the fall. We confess that we have bruised others by our harsh and critical words, our anger tempers, our betrayal, and our failed attempts at loving others well. The devil bruises us with his lies. We also bruise ourselves and … Continue reading Confessing Our Sin to the One who Restores Bruised Reeds (Matthew 12:20)
Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
The prophet Isaiah describes people like us: Bruised reeds and smoldering wicks. Listen to how our Savior deals with people like us: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory..." (Matthew 12:20) What are we to understand by the bruised reed and … Continue reading Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
Prayer of Confession – Romans 8
Holy and gracious Father, the highest court in the universe has declared us completely forgiven, totally accepted and forever loved!” Yet when we find ourselves in a cauldron of adversity and difficulty, we easily succumb to despair and our minds are seduced into believing the lie that you really don't care about us. Forgive us … Continue reading Prayer of Confession – Romans 8
Prayer of Confession of Sin
Before the practice of confessing our sins to God in worship fell out of favor and practice in the church, God's people regularly used the ten commandments as a guide for their time of confession. Here is a simple prayer that guides you through the second table of the law of God found in Exodus … Continue reading Prayer of Confession of Sin
Physical Beauty – Reflections, Confession, and Forgiveness
Reflections How do we celebrate beauty without lapsing into either pantheism or cynicism? This will take serious imagination, imagination fueled by reflection and prayer at the foot of the cross and before the empty tomb, imagination that will discern the mysteries of God’s judgment on evil and God’s reaffirmation through resurrection of his beautiful creation. … Continue reading Physical Beauty – Reflections, Confession, and Forgiveness
Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
O Mighty Father, the tomb calls forth my adoring wonder, for it is empty and Christ is risen! Grant me to be crucified with Christ that I may live a new life, for I wish to be dead and buried to sin, to selfishness, to the world; that I might not hear the voice of … Continue reading Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and … Continue reading Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Unburdening Our Hearts with the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have been infatuated with making our name great rather than our Father’s] Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have pursued … Continue reading Unburdening Our Hearts with the Lord’s Prayer
Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
Blessed Jesus, you offered us all your blessings when you announced... “Blessed are the poor in spirit” — but we have been rich in pride. “Blessed are those who mourn” — but we have not known much sorrow for our sin. Blessed are the meek” — but we are a stiff-necked people. “Blessed are those … Continue reading Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
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