Prayers of Confession on Grief

Adapted from Psalm 73:1–28 (Includes Assurance of Pardon)

Certainly God is good to his people, to those pure in heart,

but as for me, I nearly stumbled; I nearly lost my sure

footing.

I struggle with envy as I look at the those in the world who

act arrogantly and yet just seem to get richer.

I struggle with grief and bitterness towards God.  I’ve lost

my bearings and acted foolishly.  Like a beast only driven

by worldly desire and cravings.

~ Silent Confession ~

Assurance of Pardon (Together)

In all this, you haven’t cast me away.  You keep me

close to your side.  You continue to guide me by your

Word and counsel, and after all of this you will

welcome me into your glorious presence!

What can the world offer to me that I don’t already

have in You?! 

There’s nothing for me here better than You. My flesh

and my heart aren’t trustworthy, but You are and you

give me strength!  My cup overflows with endless provision!

Anyone who doesn’t have you doesn’t have life and

will certainly perish.  Our God is a consuming fire!

I know that my best can only come when I’m near You! 

I will run to You for safety and provision and tell

others of all you’ve done for me!

Christ Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Adapted from Isaiah 53:2-7

Pastor: For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

All: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Pastor: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

All: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

Submitted by Dustin Ray