Prayers of Confession on Freedom

 

Gracious God, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. You give us our talents, our freedom, and our financial resources. We struggle to give back to you from these gifts. We often worry that these gifts are not enough; that we must hold onto them for ourselves and for our family. Remind us again that you have blessed us to be a blessing to others, and free us for more generous living. Forgive us, O God, for all our sins, as we continue to pray in silence…

Silent Prayer 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Submitted by Chip Hardwick

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Father in heaven, I have a problem called sin. It makes me do things I don’t want to do, say things I don’t want to say, and think things I don’t want to think. It keeps me from living fully for You each day. I want to be free. I want to obey You and Your word. I want to be a light of hope to a hurting world. I want my life to count. I want to be a Sent One. I need Your forgiveness. I need Your help. Today and every day. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

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No Record of Wrongs, an opening prayer

 Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:5 NRSV

 Love keeps no record of wrongs.

 

We keep to-do lists so we don’t forget

We check them twice

We carry them in our pockets

Holding on to the pain

The disappointment

The failure

Re-viewing the wrong

Point by point by point

Plotting revenge on ourselves and others

 

We carry them

They keep us cross

Wounded and bleeding

Divided and dying

 

You take our lists

Crossing out

Crossing off

Nailing them to your tree

Burying them in a blaze of love

So we may rise free

 

You keep no record of wrong

Instead, you write our names on your palm

A life list on your lifeline

A love list by your scar

Hallelujah

 

Time of silent prayer

 

No Record of Wrongs © 2014 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com

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Dear Christ, hasten to me.  Release me from my sins.  Free my arms from the chains of evil, that I may embrace you.  Lift the scales of ignorance from my eyes, that I may see you.  Why do you delay?  What are you waiting for?  You are my God and my Lord, you are my refuge and my strength, you are my glory and my hope.  In you I put my trust.  Dear Christ, hasten to me.  Amen.

Aelred of Rievaulx (c. 1110-1167)

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Holy God, to Your grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be. Let Thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above, Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church