Prayers of Confession on Peace
Adapted from Isaiah 35:1–10
God of majesty and glory,
we are thirsty for your grace.
You made a way for us in the wilderness,
and still, in our foolishness, we go astray.
We hide our eyes from your presence.
We do not listen to your word.
We are lifeless when we ought to dance
and speechless when we ought to sing.
Forgive us, O Lord.
Speak peace to our fearful hearts,
strengthen our weak hands,
and make firm our feeble knees
as we seek to follow in your holy way. Amen.
Merciful God, we humble ourselves in your presence, confessing our unworthiness and our sinfulness in your sight. We have broken your holy law. We have not sought first your kingdom and righteousness. We have been anxious and troubled about many things, and have neglected the things that belong to our peace. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves, or done to others as we would that they should do to us.
Most Gracious God, our heavenly Father, who hast given your Son, Jesus Christ, to save your people from their sins; forgive us, we pray; cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and renew a right spirit within us; through the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The Book of Common Order, Language Modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.
Lord, You are the great provider. Your Word tells us to trust You and You will direct our paths, but we often forget Your faithfulness and promises found throughout scripture. Forgive us, Father, when we stray from Your plan. Your way is the path to joy, peace, and abundant life. Give us the strength and courage to choose You rather than choosing ourselves. Draw near to us when we doubt, and give us eyes to see Your hand at work in our lives. You are good and faithful always. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
God of mercy, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Please set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. We offer our silent prayers of confession to you now…
Austin D. Hill
We search for joy and meaning in our world. We look for it in our careers, our social circles, and along many of our paths in life. But these things are often fleeting, and our search is unsustainable. God forgive us for not seeking Your kingdom first. Remove those blinders that prevent us from seeing what You are doing in the world and in our lives. Help us to have our eyes focused only on You. May we seek the ultimate treasure which is Your salvation. Help us to trust that we are a forgiven people, who find joy in the assurance that we are Yours. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and pour out the gifts of your Spirit, that, forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ.
Time of silent reflection and confession..
Amen.
Submitted by Austin D. Hill
God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and pour out the gifts of your Spirit, that, forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ.
Time of silent reflection and confession..
Amen.
Submitted by Austin D. Hill
Gracious and loving God, in the perfection of Your creation, You desire us to live in peace and harmony with You and with others. But our sinfulness and hard-heartedness push us away from healthy relationships, and lapse us into conflict and enmity. We would rather talk about people instead of talking to people. We would rather avoid the hard work of making peace, instead of seeking healing and wholeness. Forgive us for our divisive and sinful behaviors. Heal our brokenness. Move us to seek reconciliation, And restore our hearts to Your perfect design. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Loving God, we come to You uncertain of what tomorrow brings. We are given constant reminders through Your Word and creation of Your abundant knowledge and love, yet we still question Your plan for our lives. We confess that we don’t have all the answers. You alone have the answers and know our futures. In our lives, Lord, show us a peace that passes all understanding when we face uncertainty. Help us to remember that You love us, provide for us, and guide us by Your perfect will. Help us to do the right thing in the moment, knowing You are there in all the moments to come. Enable us to live transformed by Your Spirit. Amen.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Almighty God, we settle for false peace.
We see no need to rock the boat,
so we allow injustice to rule and reign.
God, give us the conviction to take on the work of peace-making.
Give us the courage, wisdom, and passion
to bring your perfect peace into our world.
May we be peacemakers,
as sons and daughters of the God of true peace.
Submitted by Laura Murray
Jesus, you are our peace
You create it
You bring us near
Without you there is
No safety
No belonging
No nurturing
No identity rooted beyond this dust
Without you we are
Anchorless
Strangers, Aliens,
Outsiders, Outcasts, Orphaned
Our need is so deep, so desperate
So beyond us
It took flesh, your flesh to make peace
The congregation offers silent prayers of confession
Lisa Degrenia, www.revlisad.com