Confessing Sins, Receiving God's Grace

Pastor: By grace, through Jesus, God calls us His children so that we might become more like Him, setting our hope on His grace, and living as holy people who fear the Lord and love one another. When we honestly examine our hearts, we must confess before our Heavenly Father and one another that we need His forgiveness. Together as His children let us take refuge in His infinite mercy, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ.

People: Merciful God, we confess that although we want to look, live and love more like Jesus, too often we look, live and love more like the world around us. We are guilty of thoughts, words, and actions that deny Your Lordship in our lives and dishonor Your holy name. Have mercy on us, forgive us, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

Pastor: In Holy Baptism God declared us to be His children and gathered us into His one, holy Church, in which He daily and richly forgives us our sins and grants us new life through His Spirit. Be at peace, trusting in His promise: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

People: Amen. Great is Your faithfulness!

Pastor: Compassionate Father, from whom all fatherhood is named, we give You thanks for earthly fathers. Give them confidence in their station and zeal for their task to care for their families faithfully. Make them examples to their children of godly life and love of Your Word. Bless all parents in their work of bringing up children in the fear and instruction of the Lord, and give them the comfort of Your absolution over all their shortcomings.

Pastor: Gracious Father, Your Son grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and all people. Bless, guide, and govern the children and young people of Your Church by Your Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Your Word. Grant that they may serve You well and usefully, developing their talents not for their own sakes but to Your glory and for the welfare of their neighbor. Protect and defend them from all danger and harm, giving Your holy angels charge over them.

Pastor: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

People: Amen.