Prayers of Confession on Stumbling
Adapted from Psalm 73
Pastor: Truly, O God, you have been good to me. My troubles have been few, my blessings have been many, and you have given me this day to worship you.
All: But I have stumbled, and my foot has slipped. I have sinned against you, envied my neighbor and his possessions, and have neglected your grace. Forgive my sin, gracious God.
Pastor: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
All: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Submitted by Dustin Ray
Adapted from Psalm 73:1–28 (Includes Assurance of Pardon)
Certainly God is good to his people, to those pure in heart,
but as for me, I nearly stumbled; I nearly lost my sure
footing.
I struggle with envy as I look at the those in the world who
act arrogantly and yet just seem to get richer.
I struggle with grief and bitterness towards God. I’ve lost
my bearings and acted foolishly. Like a beast only driven
by worldly desire and cravings.
~ Silent Confession ~
Assurance of Pardon (Together)
In all this, you haven’t cast me away. You keep me
close to your side. You continue to guide me by your
Word and counsel, and after all of this you will
welcome me into your glorious presence!
What can the world offer to me that I don’t already
have in You?!
There’s nothing for me here better than You. My flesh
and my heart aren’t trustworthy, but You are and you
give me strength! My cup overflows with endless provision!
Anyone who doesn’t have you doesn’t have life and
will certainly perish. Our God is a consuming fire!
I know that my best can only come when I’m near You!
I will run to You for safety and provision and tell
others of all you’ve done for me!
Christ Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Lord Jesus, your life shows us how you want us to live. So often we know exactly what it would take for us to become more like you, and yet we sit back, rather than taking a step toward your holiness. Lots of times you make the pathway of faithfulness obvious to us, but we stumble away from the road to sanctification. We need your strength, living Lord Jesus, so that we can live into our call as well-loved disciples who become more and more like you. We repent of our complacency, and ask you to forgive us for these and all of our trespasses. We continue now to confess in silence…
Silent Prayer
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Submitted by Chip Hardwick
Gracious God, we desire to follow when you call. We long to live according to the ways of Jesus, yet we find ourselves stumbling. Forgive us for the times we have ignored your call to follow you in the ways of compassion, love, and mercy. As you meet us with your grace and assurance, empower us to move when you call.
Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia