Prayers of Confession on Sight

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

Lord Jesus Christ, you reveal God to us, yet we are sometimes repulsed, bored, or exhausted by what we see. We become jaded to your work in the world, and our eyes glaze over rather than getting excited by your revelations.  You manifest yourselves to us through the scriptures, in quiet prayers, and in wise counsel. Yet we are slow to listen, and we ignore these epiphanies.  We need your Spirit’s strength to open our eyes and soften our hearts. Forgive us these and all our sins, as we continue to confess in silence…

Silient Prayer.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Submitted by Chip Hardwick

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.