Prayers of Confession on Bitterness

Adapted from Psalm 73:1–28 (Includes Assurance of Pardon)

Certainly God is good to his people, to those pure in heart,

but as for me, I nearly stumbled; I nearly lost my sure

footing.

I struggle with envy as I look at the those in the world who

act arrogantly and yet just seem to get richer.

I struggle with grief and bitterness towards God.  I’ve lost

my bearings and acted foolishly.  Like a beast only driven

by worldly desire and cravings.

~ Silent Confession ~

Assurance of Pardon (Together)

In all this, you haven’t cast me away.  You keep me

close to your side.  You continue to guide me by your

Word and counsel, and after all of this you will

welcome me into your glorious presence!

What can the world offer to me that I don’t already

have in You?! 

There’s nothing for me here better than You. My flesh

and my heart aren’t trustworthy, but You are and you

give me strength!  My cup overflows with endless provision!

Anyone who doesn’t have you doesn’t have life and

will certainly perish.  Our God is a consuming fire!

I know that my best can only come when I’m near You! 

I will run to You for safety and provision and tell

others of all you’ve done for me!

Christ Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Adapted from Matthew 5:27-28, 31-32, 43-44

Pastor: Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

All: We have lusted for others’ bodies. Forgive our adulterous, lustful hearts.

Pastor: Jesus said, “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

All: We have treated our marriages with contempt and have not treated them with appropriate delight and solemnity.

Pastor: Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

All: I have hated both my neighbor and my enemy. Forgive my bitterness and hatred, O merciful God.

Submitted by Dustin Ray