Prayers of Confession on Judging
Most Merciful God, we join our voices in this prayer of confession because we realize that we are united with each other in our sinfulness. We all sin in ways that are unique to us as individuals. We say and do things that go against Your will for our lives. Forgive us for thinking we are better than others. Forgive us for considering others’ sins worse than our own. Forgive us for being so quick to recognize the sin in others, yet slow to see it in ourselves. Grant us the humility of spirit and the gladness of heart that comes from knowing that Jesus died to take away the sins of the world. Touch our lives with Your healing grace and create in us clean hearts. We pray these things in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
O God of the ages, you have created each of us uniquely. We each have so much that makes us interesting and unique! Yet at times, even against our own wishes, we find ourselves falling prey to the -isms that undermine our society: racism, sexism, classism, anti-Semitism, and too many others. Pardon us for categorizing each other so quickly, easily, and harmfully. Help us to see each other as individuals, through your eyes of love. We pray that you would forgive our sins—these and all others—as we continue to pray in silence…
Silent Prayer
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Submitted by Chip Hardwick
God of freedom, whether we like to admit it or not, we do not treat everybody with equality. We silently judge others based on appearance, social status, and even race. Please give us the courage to meet others who are different from us, to learn from them, and to partner with them. Please give us a willingness to set aside our own safety and comfort for the sake of others as we silently confess our sins to you now…
Submitted by Austin D. Hill
God of our hearts, make us aware of our selfish motives. We want too much. We consume too much. We judge too much. We forgive too little. We help too little. We dream too little about living an abundant life with You. We use our power for our own gain. We don’t allow hurt and pain in the world to bother us. We think Your words are meant for someone else. Forgive us God. Make our lives about You, instead of us. Help us to pursue a life led by Your Spirit, and changed by Your mercy and grace. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
O God, you judge your people with righteousness; we judge our neighbors either right or wrong. Your Servant defended the cause of the poor; it is because of our greed that many still want. You bring deliverance to the needy, but we stand in the way of its being received. You send us a Savior who will crush the oppressor, but we raise up idols in his stead. Make us mindful of your dominion, how you rule while sun and moon endure. May we bow down before you and pay you the tribute that you are due.
James G. Kirk. When We Gather, Revised Edition: A Book of Prayers for Worship.
O Holy God, we know we have fallen short.
We turn our backs when we could embrace.
We remain silent when we could speak.
We speak when we could listen.
We judge when we could seek understanding.
We cling when we could give.
Forgive us, O God, for focusing solely on ourselves and help us to continue to grow into the people you created us to be, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Contempt, a Prayer of Confession
Contempt is so painful
To be dismissed, disregarded
Questioning instead of dignity
Accusation instead of personhood
I have felt its sting and hollowness
As have you, my Jesus
Help me hear the needed messages
Help me let go of what isn’t true or helpful
Heal my wound
Time of silent confession
I have wielded the weapon of contempt fully conscious of its destructive power
I have launched it from conditioning, in ignorance and reaction
You never have, my Jesus
Forgive me and heal all I have hurt
Make my ways like yours, my Jesus
Deliver me from a spirit of judgment, criticism, and contempt
Help me see all as you see them- beloved and needed
Especially those who are hard to love
Time of silent prayer
I am most ashamed of aiming contempt at you, my Jesus
For rejecting you, judging you
Making demands of you
I am so very sorry
Forgive me, renew me, abide in me so there is
More of my true me
More of you and your ways
More of your grace extended through me
For the healing of the world
Time of silent prayer
Contempt, a prayer of confession © 2016 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com
Psalm 142:5-7a
“I cry to you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.’”
Too often my prison is self-made, with my pride, and ability to judge others. Forgive
me and give me a humble spirit.
Bud Thoreen