Prayers of Confession on Direction

Adapted from Psalm 73

Pastor: Truly, O God, you have been good to me. My troubles have been few, my blessings have been many, and you have given me this day to worship you.

All: But I have stumbled, and my foot has slipped. I have sinned against you, envied my neighbor and his possessions, and have neglected your grace. Forgive my sin, gracious God.

Pastor: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”

All: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Submitted by Dustin Ray

​​Lord God, we know that you are life, the life which is the light of the world

But sometimes we allow the darkness to close in

We find ourselves driven apart from you

We confess that we do not always trust Christ’s gifts

Sacrificing grace and truth in order to get ahead in the world

We do not always listen to your Spirit’s teaching and direction

Trusting instead in our own intellect or hard work

Please forgive our thoughtlessness, carelessness, willful ignorance and disobedience

Jacob Traeger

Lord, though you should guide us, we inform ourselves;
though you should rule us, we control ourselves;
though you should fulfill us, we console ourselves.
We think your truth too high, your will too hard,
your power too remote, your love too free. But they are not!
And without them, we are of all people most miserable.
Now heal our confused minds with your word,
heal our divided wills with your law,
heal our troubled consciences with your love,
heal our anxious hearts with your presence,
all for the sake of your Son,
who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen.

Source Unknown

Gracious God, you call us to draw near but we keep our distance. We are afraid of your direction and discipline, so we avoid honesty and confession. Father, help us trust in your goodness and your grace, believing that your correction brings life and joy. May we live in the light of your love so that others might see and draw near to you.

Submitted by Laura Murray

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your creation. You are the master of design. You know the change of season, You know the orbit of planets, and You know exactly what human beings were made for: a relationship with You.  We confess that too often we think that we know best.  We insist on charting our own course, and we don’t feel we can completely trust anyone but ourselves.  But we are wrong.  You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  You are the hope of nations.  You are our King.  You are our resurrected Lord. You are the one who forgives our sins. You are the one who loves us more deeply that we can ever imagine.  Teach us to live like You.  In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Source Unknown