The law of the Lord is indeed perfect, trustworthy, and right.

Leader: The law of the Lord is indeed perfect, trustworthy, and right.  When we examine ourselves in light of God’s law, we come face to face with the darkness of our sinful condition. God’s Word says that, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

People: But, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Leader: Let us confess our sins to the Lord, seeking His grace and forgiveness.  

Silence for personal confession

Leader: Lord God, You created the world and it was good.  

People: Yet we confess that by our sinful disobedience we have marred Your creation and cut ourselves off from You. Instead of following Your commands, we have chosen our own path. We have not loved You with our whole heart, and have not loved others as we should.  Have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

Leader: God has not abandoned His creation.  Though our hearts are dark with sin, our gracious God, who said, “'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

In Christ Jesus, you are loved, forgiven, and redeemed. Live with joy in the light of His grace.

People: Thanks be to God!

Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, through Your Word and Spirit You most wonderfully created all things, and through the Word made flesh You brought new life to fallen humanity. Grant that in Your mercy we may be conformed to the image of Him who shares fully in our humanity, even Jesus Christ, our Lord.

People: Amen.