God is our refuge and strength

Pastor: God is our refuge and strength,
People: a very present help in trouble.
Pastor: The Lord of Hosts is with us;
People: the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Pastor: Because God is our refuge and strength, we can acknowledge our weakness and confess our sins before Him.  Because He is our fortress, we know we are secure in His grace and mercy.  
Silence for personal confession
Pastor: Holy and gracious God,
People: I confess that I am spiritually blind, for I am by nature sinful and have sinned against You this day. Some of my sin I know—the thoughts and words and deeds of which I am ashamed—but some is known only to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask forgiveness. Open my eyes to Your grace that I might walk in Your ways and bring glory to Your name.
Pastor: Be still and know the Good News:  God has not forsaken or forgotten you, but has redeemed you through the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has forgiven your sins and removed your guilt forever.  You are His own dear child.  May God give you strength to live according to His will. 
People: Amen.