Pentecost Confession

My last post was about letting down our defenses so that we might be open to wounds in worship. The Prayer of Confession in our Pentecost worship this morning was particularly sharp for me. Give yourself some time to reflect on each of these confessions.

Spirit of Truth, we confess that we have not loved one another as you have loved us.

We are quick to find fault and speak ill of others, sins that undermine the fellowship of believers.

We have let strangers and seekers among us feel like outsiders.

We have not done our best to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of the church.

Forgive our casual disregard of Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.

Forgive us for not using faithfully the powerful gifts of love and service you gave the church at Pentecost.

Renew a right spirit within us, that we may carry the love and mercy of Christ from this place into our weekday community and to the world beyond.

We pray in the name of Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God now and forever. Amen

A word of assurance: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

And our petition in hope: Father, by your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, showing forth the fruit of the Spirit until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.