Hear what the Apostle Paul says to God’s people in Romans 12

Pastor: Hear what the Apostle Paul says to God’s people in Romans 12: I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2

In light of God’s Word, we confess our sins.  Let us pray:

People: Gracious Heavenly Father, we know that we have not followed Your will.  On our own we cannot accomplish what is good, and acceptable and perfect. So we come to You in repentance for the many ways we have become conformed to this world. 

We have let pride and arrogance direct our actions,

been stingy in our love towards others,

ignored and misused our talents and gifts,

cursed our enemies and repaid evil with evil

failed to share the love of Jesus with those who do not yet know Him. 

For Jesus’ sake, forgive us, restore us, and renew us. 

Pastor: People of God, rejoice, for the Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Psalm 116:5 

In His mercy, He has granted us new life and has declared us innocent through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. You are no longer conformed to the world, but are transformed in Christ Jesus. By His death and resurrection, You are a new creation; life and forgiveness are yours.

People: Amen. Thanks be to God!  

Pastor: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;

People: he heard my cry for mercy.  Psalm 116:1

Pastor: Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

People: For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, 

Pastor: my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

People: that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.  Psalm 116:7-9