Call to Confession: 

As we enter into a time of confession together, let’s prepare our hearts by hearing these words from Matthew 9:

But when [Jesus] heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Prayer of Confession: 

Compassionate Father,

We confess to you that we don’t want to need your mercy. We try to impress you instead of turning to you. We put tasks ahead of loving people, and we easily become blind to the needs of those around us. God, forgive us.

Father, you have shown us great mercy through the sacrifice of your Son. Holy Spirit, keep us mindful of the sin that creeps up and crowds out our love for others. Melt our hard hearts with gratitude for the mercy we have received until compassion and love flow out of us freely and humbly. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: 

In the scriptures we find assurances of our forgiveness and encouragement in our walk. So hear these words from Psalm 103 and rest in their truth for us:

The Lord is merciful and gracious,

    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always chide,

    nor will he keep his anger forever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

    nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.