Prayers of Confession on Suffering

Adapted from Isaiah 53:2-7

Pastor: For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

All: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Pastor: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

All: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

Gracious God, today we think of those we have ignored when they were suffering, excluded when they different, written off when they were difficult, harassed when they were our enemies. We take this moment to picture those specific people. We silently ask you to forgive us as we reflect on those people we’ve hurt… 

 Time of silent reflection and confession.. 

 Submitted by Austin D. Hill

Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is

higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings,

deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others,

our envy of those who have more than we have,

our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure,

our indifference to the treasures of heaven,

Help us to change our way of life

so that we may desire what is good,

love what you love,

and do what you command,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and loving God, all of us here today are hurting. Some of us are hurting as the result of circumstances beyond our control. Some of us are hurting because of our own choices. Some of us are feeling the pain of others. No matter what the circumstances, as we gather here today, help us remember who we are: sinners saved by grace. Lord, for the times we have failed to show Your compassion to others – forgive us! For the times we have failed to trust You – forgive us! For the times we have failed to praise You – forgive us! Help us always to remember that You are the Giver of mercy and wholeness, provided for us through Your Son’s death and resurrection. Heal our brokenness and make us whole once more. In Christ’s Holy Name we pray. Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church