Confession:
Lord Jesus, you come into our lives
when we are least prepared for you.
As you enfolded your betrayers,
so embrace us who struggle to love.
Reconcile us with our brothers and sisters,
and, for the sake of your love,
forgive us all our sins.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (from Psalm 103:11-13):
As far as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is your loving response to those who are humble;
so far does your enduring strength
uphold those who fear the darkness within.
As parents are concerned for their children,
so you come to those who reach out in faith.
-- from Daily Prayer for All Seasons, from Forward Movement
As children of God, we affirm:
That God, who is Love, created all and called it good,
that God is present with all creation,
and that,
in darkness and in light,
God is faithful;
therefore we, too, seek to be faithful.
That Jesus came to show us Love with a human face,
that he taught justice and reconciliation
and suffered on our behalf,
and that through his faithful example,
he embodies hope;
therefore we, too, seek to be people
of justice, reconciliation, and hope.
That the Holy Spirit guides and accompanies us,
that this same Spirit offers wisdom and discernment,
and that, when we are open,
the Spirit can always find a way;
therefore we seek to be people filled with God's Spirit:
discerning, loving and transforming our world.
Amen.
-- from Daily Prayer For All Seasons, from Forward Movement
