Prayers of Confession on Evil
Adapted from Psalm 10 & Romans 7:21-25
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand.
Forget not the afflicted.
We call to you in our sorrow and frustration,
Lord God, eternal, everlasting God.
Why do you stand so far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
You are our God, even if we have ignored you!
Arise, O Lord; O God, we cry to you.
It looks like evil is winning out.
Even in our own lives sin keeps winning the battles.
“So I find it to be a law, that when I want to do right,
Evil lies close at hand…making me captive to sin
…wretched man that I am.” Romans 7:21-25
Have mercy on us, O God,
For we are sinners, captives to sin, enslaved by sin!
Hughes Oliphant Old. Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Ministers (Kindle Locations 958-960).
Almighty and Merciful God, the Fountain of all goodness, who knows the thoughts of our hearts, we confess to you that we have sinned against you, and done evil in your sight. Wash us, we pray, from the stains of our past sins, and give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things; so that, being delivered from the bondage of sin, we may bring forth the worthy fruit of repentance.
O Eternal Light, shine into our hearts. O Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil. O Eternal Power, be our support. Grant that with all our hearts, and minds, and strength, we may ever more seek your face. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Albinus Flaccus Alcuinus, Language Modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.
lmighty God, you love us, but we do not love you fully. You call, but we do not always listen. We often walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We often condone evil, hatred, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you move toward us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
Adapted from “Weaknesses” in The Valley of Vision
Pastor: O Spirit of God, help my infirmities. When I am pressed down because of my sin, perplexed and not knowing what to do, help me.
All: When you see that I desire evil things, delighting in sinful actions, longing for things that grieve your heart, then grant me the kiss of your forgiveness, and teach my feet to walk in the way of your commandments.
Pastor: Deliver me from these worries and make me a joyful, holy person. Help me to walk a holy life with firm and brave step, and to wrestle successfully against my weaknesses.
All: Teach me to praise, adore, and magnify your name. Give me power to live as your child. Lead me on the road to your eternal kingdom, whether the road be rough or smooth.
*Silent Confession
Amen.
Submitted by Dustin Ray
Inspired by Psalm 51:1-4
Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity and cleans us from our sin. For we know our transgressions and our sin is ever before us. Against you, you only, have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Scott Bullock
Inspired by Psalm 52
We boast of taking advantage of others, love evil more than good, speak deceit rather than tell the truth. We relish words that hurt and harm. We take refuge in wealth, security in savings and in success. For this arrogance and for this offense, we confess. Lord, humble our hearts, cleanse our tongues, and give us compassion for others. May we find our trust in Your steadfast love, may we thank you for what you have accomplished, and proclaim the glory of your name. Lord, hear our prayer.
Scott Bullock
Isaiah 59:1-4
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
Nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
Your sins have hidden his face from you,
So that he will not hear.
For your hands are stained with blood,
Your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken lies,
And your tongue mutters wicked things.
No one calls for justice;
No one pleads his case with integrity.
They rely on empty arguments and speak lies;
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil.