Prayers of Confession on the Earth
Adapted from Psalm 66
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!
Sing praises to the glory of God’s name! Make glorious his praise.
Say to God:
“How awesome are your works! All the earth worships you,
Sings praises to you,
Sings praises to your name!”
Come and see God’s deeds;
His works for human beings are awesome.
Submitted by Austin D. Hill
Adapted from Psalm 80
Shepherd of Israel, God of hosts,
we have turned away from you,
neglecting the welfare of your creation,
ignoring the plight of your people,
trampling on the creatures and the plants you have made,
taking from Earth what we cannot give back.
We have not helped our neighbors in need,
kept peace within our families,
or tended the vine you have planted in our own lives.
Forgive us and lead us to a more gracious life.
In your compassion, turn us to your way.
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Amen.
Gracious God, you tend to the earth as your vineyard, longing for it to bring fruit. You want our society and our lives to look more and more like the Kingdom of Heaven. We work against your plans, sometimes by what we do, and sometimes by what we leave undone. We abuse the land, take advantage of the weak, and turn a blind eye to the poor. We fight against your purposes, and we need your forgiveness. Pardon us for these and all our sins, as we continue to pray in silence…
Silent Prayer
In Jesus’ name
Submitted by Chip Hardwick
Loving God, you spoke the earth into motion. Your words have that much power. So instead of continuing to speak to you, we silence ourselves Please show us our sins and forgive us for them as we listen to your still small voice in this time of silence…
Submitted by Austin D. Hill
Gracious God, when I think of how you created all things in a step-by-step manner, I am reminded of my own impatience. There are so many times, Lord, when I want you to move at my pace, not yours. I confess that this is not only sinful but also silly. Do I really think my timing is better than yours? No, not when I step back and reflect. But in the rush of the moment, I can be painfully impatient. Forgive me, Lord.
Help me to trust that your ways are always the best, that your timing is always the best. Help me to see more clearly how you are at work in my life and through me in the lives of others. May I learn to be in synch with you and your ways, patient in my trust, expectant in my hope. Amen.
Compassionate God, you know the purposes of our hearts and the will of all creation. Hear with mercy our confession that we have not cared for Earth and all creatures as you meant for us to do; we have not cared for one another as you have commanded; we have not loved ourselves with the regard that honors wholeness and peace of mind. Be our guide, our judge, our joy. Show us the way of your life abundant, and turn us always to that path so that we may live and move in renewed commitment to what is just and good. We beg this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Kimberly Bracken Long Ed., Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.
Gracious God, thank you for giving human beings authority over your world. It is truly an honor to receive this from you.
Forgive us, Lord, for all the ways we have been poor stewards of the world you’ve entrusted to us. Give us wisdom to know how best to use the authority you have given us. Show us how to use and care for the earth in ways that honor your intentions.
Thank you, Lord, for those who are leading the charge in this area. Thank you especially for wise believers who are helping your church find our rightful role in the matter of caring for the earth and using it well. Thank you for many younger believers who are being trained and educated to lead this charge in the future.
This day, may I care well for the piece of the world you have entrusted to me, using it rightly for your purposes and glory. Amen.