Prayers of Confession on Caring

Genesis 12:1–9 & Matthew 9:9–13

God of calling, you called Abraham and Matthew and gave them the strength they needed to follow you. You also called a people and cared for and nurtured that people so that they could live life in your abundance. You also call us, but sometimes we prefer to close our eyes and cover our ears, turning our backs to your will. Forgive us, O God, and grant us the confidence and the hope that we need to follow when you call. Amen.

Kimberly Bracken Long Ed., Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.

For the times we neglect to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ, please forgive us, Lord.

For the times we fail to welcome new people who look or act different from ourselves, please forgive us, Lord.

For the times we fail to pursue you through prayer and Scripture reading, please forgive us, Lord.

For the times we are unwilling to try new things in order to reach people, please forgive us, Lord. 

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

For the times when we fail to notice others’ needs, we repent.

For our apathy for those you’ve entrusted to us, we repent. 

For the amount of time we spend focused on ourselves, we repent.

For failing to pray for others, we repent. 

Please forgive us for our selfishness as we silently confess all that keeps us from follow you…

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

Constant sustainer, you are the ultimate source of life. You tell us in your word that every good and perfect gift comes from you. You also tell us that even the birds of the air are provided for. But we find it so easy to doubt. We start to believe that you don’t care for us, or that you aren’t looking after us. Please help us to know your love and provision today. Please help us to see your constant care as we silently confess our sins to you now…

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

Holy God, you see us as we are. You know our inmost thoughts. We confess we are unworthy of Your gracious care, for we forget that all life comes from You. We have not lived as Your grateful children, nor have we loved as Christ loved us. Apart from Your grace, there is no health in us. Lord, in Your mercy, forgive us, heal us, and make us whole. Set us free from our sin, and restore to us Your joy. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church