Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

People: who made heaven and earth. 

Leader: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

People: But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

Leader: By grace, through Jesus, God calls us His children so that we might become more like Him, living as holy people who fear the Lord and serve one another in humility and love. 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.

Leader: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. Forgiven and restored, may He keep you in His grace by the Holy Spirit, lead you to greater faith and obedience, and bring you to live with Him forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

People: Amen.