Forgiveness and Renewal in Christ

Pastor: Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather on this Thursday of Holy Week, let us humbly draw near to the Lord to remember what He has done and to receive what He gives to us by His Word and Sacrament.   Our help is in the name of the Lord,

People: who made heaven and earth.

Pastor: I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,

People: and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

(silence to reflect on our sin and our need for the Savior.)

Pastor: With humble hearts, let us pray to our Father:

People: We confess that we have sinned against You in our thoughts, words and actions. We have broken our covenant with You and lived outside of Your will. In the name of Jesus, have mercy on us, grant us Your forgiveness, and restore us to be Your people. Amen.

Pastor: By the mercy of God, we are redeemed by Jesus Christ, and in Him we are forgiven. He is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  By His death on the cross and His rising again, Christ has secured our eternal redemption, and is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

People: Thanks be to God! He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Amen.