Prayers of Confession on Authenticity
Gracious and Holy God, we make no pretense about our lives. We forget, even deny that we were created with wonder and delight in our souls. Yet, we go through life anxious and serious, seeking to get ahead, striving to make ends meet. We rush and hurry, and fill up our calendars. Where is the joy? Where are the days of summer rest? Where is our sense of delight? Forgive us, Lord, for failing to be the people that You created us to be and remind us that, like Nicodemus, we are loved for who we are, just as we are. Help us to remember that, in Christ, we are forgiven. Grant us Your peace as we look to You for the strength and courage to resist further temptation. We lift our prayer in the Name of Your Precious Son, Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Gracious and loving God, You are always present with us. Your faithfulness knows no limits. You call us to worship You in spirit and in truth. Yet far too often, our worship is perfunctory. We phone it in. Our minds focus on other matters. What seems urgent at the time distracts us. Worship is one more item to check off our lists. Forgive us for our cavalier and casual attitudes. Remind us of the importance of praising Your Name, hearing Your Word, and enjoying Your presence. Restore to us the joy of true worship. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
(Prayer of Adoration)
We praise you, Lord for you are
all-wise and all-powerful,
faithful, loving and gracious,
holy, just, merciful, constant and pure,
omnipresent, intimate and immortal.
You are bigger than the known universe,
yet you know us each by name
and as close as our very breath.
You know all about us and still love us.
That’s why we praise you – that’s why we serve you.
(Prayer of Confession)
Yet – if we drop our masks and get real,
we admit we don’t praise you as you deserve,
nor do we serve you faithfully.
Forgive us – and hear our prayer of confession,
Amen.