PRAYER
OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God,
in the stories, songs, letters, proverbs, and poems of Scripture,
we
meet you, we find wisdom about how we could live, we learn about your
vision for the world.
In
those old passages we can find a healing balm,
words
that heal our broken spirits and comfort our shattered hearts.
But
to be honest we, your people, have not always used those old words
well.
Sometimes
we use the old stories as weapons, things that can break spirits and
shatter hearts.
And
sometimes we have forgotten that your Word of Life is living and
growing,
choosing
instead to lock it into ancient understandings, old ways of seeing
the world.
God
of Life, made known in many ways, Living Word of love and hope and
promise,
Where
we have misused your wisdom to harm each other, forgive us
Help
us always find the ways that your wisdom brings healing and wholeness
to our world.
...time
of silent prayer...
Yes,
we sometimes get things wrong. We sometimes take something that
proclaims love and turn it into a weapon. But there is hope and Good
News. The God who is revealed in Scripture constantly speaks words of
love and hope into our souls. God moves us past our mistakes and
transforms us so that we make different choices next time. We are
loved, we are forgiven, we are healed.
Thanks
be to God! Amen.
COMMISSIONING:
The
God we meet in Scripture
Walks
with us in the world.
The
God who offers us healing
Calls
us to carry healing love to the world.
Go
now, ready to counter hatred and fear with words of love and hope.
And
as you go, trust that God made known as Parent, Child and Spirit is
with you wherever you go
Thanks
be to God. Amen
