Prayers of Confession on Foolishness

Adapted from on Psalm 14

Pastor: Oh God, in my foolishness, I have denied that you are my God, my Lord, and my Father. Because of my abominable deeds and corrupt nature, I can do no good without you.

All: You dwell in Heaven and see all things and all people. You look down on my life and find my faith lacking, my understanding wanting, and my heart corrupt.

Pastor: I, my family, and my fellow believers have done evil in your sight, and we’ve turned aside from trusting and obeying you. However, despite my sinful rebellion, you call me back to you!

All: Because your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for my sins, you have given even me your salvation! Restore my delight in you, and craft me into the image of your Son by the power of your Holy Spirit.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave up everything to come down from heaven in order to love and serve us.  Unlike you, we find self-sacrifice hard. Most of us look for ways to puff ourselves up, so that we look better in other people’s eyes.  We fool ourselves into thinking that we can make ourselves look good in your eyes, too. Send us your Spirit, that we would be more humble. We long to be like you, our loving shepherd, and we thank you for hearing our prayers as we continue to confess in silence…

Silent Prayer 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Submitted by Chip Hardwick

May God bless you with a restless discomfort

about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,

so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger

at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears

to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish,

so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness

to believe that you really can make a difference in this world,

so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

A Franciscan Blessing