Prayers of Confession on Trouble

Adapted from Psalm 32:1-7

Pastor: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

All: For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

Pastor: I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

All: Therefore, let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

Submitted by Dustin Ray

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

Heavenly Father, we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are Yours. At times, we live our lives as if there was no God and we fall short of being who You created us to be. We have lived for ourselves, refused to bear the troubles of others, and ignored the pain of the world. Forgive us, Lord. Remind us of the purpose for which You created us. Give us Your strength to walk in Your ways and be Your light. In our Savior Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

You have taught us to be patient and promised to supply our needs, O God. Yet we grow weary of waiting and restless with our wants. We blame our troubles on brothers and sisters, withholding from them the tolerance and care you have shown to us. O God, forgive our indulgence and help us to stand firm. In Christ you showed patience with the world in spite of the cross. Teach us to be patient, that in Christ we may have endurance in spite of our need.

James G. Kirk. When We Gather, Revised Edition: A Book of Prayers for Worship.