Call to Confession: 

Each Sunday, we take a moment to confess and repent alongside one another. It’s a way we regularly take seriously our sin and lay it before God. Let’s prepare our hearts by hearing these words from Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Prayer of Confession: 

Holy God, 

Your wisdom is infinite, your strength is mighty, your will is sovereign, and your patience and love for us is beyond our understanding.  Yet even knowing this, Lord, we realize how often each new day shows us our love of things apart from you. The ways we choose to remain hard of heart instead of resting in your abundant grace.  Forgive us.

Lord Jesus, help us to believe that you are a secure refuge and present help we can turn to again and again.  Holy Spirit, lead us to repentance and save us from sorrow.  Give us grace to see our sin clearly.  Drive the joy of our salvation deep into our hearts, until trusting you feels like the only thing we can do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: 

In the scriptures we find assurances of our forgiveness and encouragement in our walk.  So hear the continuation of these words from Psalm 46 and rest in their truth for us:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.