Prayers of Confession on Safety

Adapted from Judges 2

Pastor: Oh God, you have been so gracious to us. You have given us so many wonderful gifts—they outnumber the starts in the sky! You have kept your promises to us, and you have been faithful!
All: But we, O God, have forgotten your grace and your faithfulness. The idols that we enjoy—self-righteousness, safety, prosperity—entice us and ensnare us. We think that we are our own god and king, but that’s who you are.
Pastor: We cry out for forgiveness to you, merciful Father! Only through Jesus’ death in our place do we have your forgiveness.
All: Continue to be faithful to your promise to love us, to walk with us, and to teach us. Strengthen us this week so that we may love, trust, and obey you, our gracious God.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Heavenly Father, we confess that our sinfulness gives us fear and keeps us from pursuing your will.  We live with ideas of safety and failure that do not make room for your call to set our lives aside for your sake.  Jesus promises to be with us, so we ask to be strengthened by your Spirit to step out of our comfort and into his arms.  Forgive us for our shortcomings and free us to follow you.  Hear our confession as we continue our prayer in silence…

Submitted by Allen Thompson

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