Prayers of Confession on Knowledge
Adapted from 40:1-2, 4-8; 42:1-6
Pastor: And the LORD said to Job: “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
All: Then Job answered the LORD and said: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”
Pastor: Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?”
All: Then Job answered the LORD and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Submitted by Dustin Ray
Wise and all-knowing God, we confess our knowledge is limited. We don’t know what’s best. We don’t know how to control ourselves. We don’t know how to forgive. We don’t know how to love. And we don’t know how to faithfully follow You when there is a cost. Forgive our pride and our foolishness. Restore and redeem us. Give us a thirst for all that You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
All-Knowing God, we often believe our way is the best way. In our arrogance, we ignore your will and your ways. We confess our dependence on knowledge and our independence from you. Thank you that you are always gracious, ready to receive us and that your forgiveness never fails. We trust in your grace and commit to live in your grace so that others might know you.
Submitted by Laura Murray
Forgive us, O God, when we limit you –
When we remake you in our image,
When we claim our causes as your own,
When we box you in,
And explain you away,
And in our attempts at understanding, whittle away all mystery.
Forgive us for our human impulses, and change us:
Awaken us to your blinding glory,
Confound us by your love,
Shower us with grace so that we will be made new,
Recreated in your image,
Grateful for all that we cannot know.
In the name of Christ, who brought us closer to you, we pray. Amen.
Beth Merrill Neel, Blog: ‘Hold Fast to What Is Good’. Used with permission.
Merciful God, You made us in Your image, with minds to know You, hearts to love You, and wills to serve You. But our knowledge is imperfect, our love inconstant, and our obedience incomplete. We refuse to go where You lead us. We fail to grow into Your likeness. Have mercy upon us. Forgive us and free us from our sin. We ask in the gracious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church