Confession Prayer Week of May 19, 2024

Call to Confession: 

As we enter into a time of confession together, let’s prepare our hearts by hearing these words from Isaiah 43:

But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

    he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

    I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

    and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Prayer of Confession: 

Holy God, as these scriptures remind us, you have called us by name and said you will be with us, not just in good times, but when life is hard and overwhelming. Lord, how often we forget your comfort and assurance. We turn to so many other things, forgetting to run to you first.

Lord, forgive us. Help us to seek you again and again, knowing it’s never too late to do so. You are the Lord our God, our Savior, and we thank you that in your glorious power you have also chosen to remind us of how much we are loved and near to you. Thank you for being there every time we turn to you, help us to do so more. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: 

In the scriptures we find assurances of our forgiveness and encouragement in our walk. So hear these words from 1 Peter 5 and rest in their truth for us…

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.