Prayers of Confession on Poverty

Adapted from Psalm 10:1-7

Leader: Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against you. I have delighted my soul in other things more than I have in you. Why, then, is it any surprise to me that you feel far off from me? I have driven you away!

All: In my arrogance, I have enjoyed the comforts of this world while I care too little that the poor cannot feed or care for themselves. Because of my greed, I boast of all that I have and all that I desire. 

Leader: In one moment, I believe that I’m invincible, able to withstand any problem or struggle. In the next moment, I believe that the evil all around me is out to get me. My mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under my tongue are mischief and iniquity.

All: O God, forgive me of my sin. Look on me with mercy, and give me grace to delight in you, rather than in my sin. Lift me out of this pit of sin, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I might walk in holiness and obey your commandments.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Dear God, we know that it is Your will to help those that are afflicted, to comfort and strengthen the weak, and to provide support and financial help for those in great need. And yet, there are moments where we hold back and we miss the joy of freely giving from a heart of generosity. We confess our sin, and we ask for Your cleansing forgiveness. May our humble gifts be multiplied to help those with meager resources. We pray all this in the precious name of Jesus, Our Savior. Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

All-Gracious God, we have become callous to those in need, holding back compassion yet unsparing with judgment.  We defend our motivations, rather than using all you have given us to love and care for the least of these. Hear our confessions and heal our hearts.  May we be people of mercy, as you are merciful, and people of love, just as you loved us.

Submitted by Laura Murray

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and turned from our neighbors. We have refused to bear the troubles of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. O God, in your great mercy forgive our sin and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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

Lord God, we rejoice in your resurrection and in your promise to return. Help us live today as people who await the fulfillment of your kingdom. We confess we often look for comfort outside of you. Bend our knees to the hard work of prayer, worship, repentance, and intercession. Throughout history you have used the seemingly weak to nurture justice, to fight poverty, and to walk bravely toward human thrones of power proclaiming another way. Help us find comfort and hope in our afflictions, knowing you are present with us always. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen.

Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Psalm 82 and James 1

Father God, too often we show preference to those who appear to have it all together, to those whom we consider complete: the self-motivated, self-made, and self-sufficient. We honor the rich and look past the poor. We invite those with prestige and power to sit in seats of privilege, while we leave the lowly and humble to stand outside and apart. We fashion a religion that is far from the purity that you desire when we defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked, when we pay respect for the outward appearance and refuse to see the inner heart of a person as you do. Forgive us, we pray, for our neglect, for our complicity, for our impurity of mind, heart, and religion. Conform us to your character. Amen.  

Scott Bullock