Prayers of Confession on Impurity

Adapted from Matthew 5:27-28, 31-32, 43-44

Pastor: Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

All: We have lusted for others’ bodies. Forgive our adulterous, lustful hearts.

Pastor: Jesus said, “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

All: We have treated our marriages with contempt and have not treated them with appropriate delight and solemnity.

Pastor: Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

All: I have hated both my neighbor and my enemy. Forgive my bitterness and hatred, O merciful God.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Loving and faithful God,You are holy, righteous, and pure; You are compassionate and just; You are perfect in all of Your ways. But we have slipped away from Your will; we have been selfish and self-centered; and we live for today instead of for Your Kingdom. You have called us to be pure and blameless in Christ, but our hearts burn in desire for impurity and we make believe that our lives are whole and healthy. Remind us that Your love is endless and without Your love we would be lost. Bring us to the turning point of repentance. Forgive us. Restore us. Redeem us. Through Jesus Christ we pray.  Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church