Prayers of Confession on Politics
Gracious God, you have placed us in a culture that seems more and more filled with politics. Forgive us for every time we respond to these politics with decisions that do not honor Christ. Pardon us for impatient and cruel anger, for indifference which stems from our privilege, for personal attacks and even hatred for those who see the world differently, and for our reluctance to pray for our leaders. Remind us again that as citizens of heaven, you want us to live differently as citizens and residents of the United States. Forgive us for these and all our sins, as we continue to pray in silence…
Silent Prayer
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Submitted by Chip Hardwick
Yes, Jesus,
I want to be on your right side
or your left side,
not for any selfish reason.
I want to be on your right or your best side,
not in terms of some political kingdom or ambition,
but I just want to be there
in love and in justice and in truth
and in commitment to others,
so we can make of this old world a new world. Amen.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Documentary…Montgomery to Memphis,
ed. by Flip Schulke, W.W. Norton & Co., 1976.
Heavenly Father, we confess that we often fill our lives with noise that obscures our ability to hear your voice. We do not even realize how many opportunities you give us to see your glory and to glorify you. Help us to have open ears, and turn our hearts and thoughts toward you so that we may praise you and receive your gifts. Hear our confession as we continue our prayers in silence…
Submitted by Allen Thompson
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