Here are two more extracts from Prayers for All Seasons 2, which you can buy this week, until 27 September, at a 10 per cent discount – a saving of £2.80 – using the code ANIMAL10. Just type the code into the relevant box at the KM checkout between the dates given.
Confession
Failure to respond to God’s love
Loving God,
once more we are reminded of our sinfulness
compared to your goodness.
We have broken your commandments
in thought and word and deed,
pursuing our own ends rather than following your will.
We have missed opportunities to work and witness for you,
lukewarm in our service and weak in our discipleship.
We have lost sight of your love and goodness,
allowing you to be crowded out of our lives by other concerns.
We have grown stale in our faith,
closing our minds to that which challenges and disturbs.
In so much we have failed you.
Forgive us.
You have offered us a new beginning,
yet we have gone back to our old ways.
You have called us to shine like stars in the world,
but instead we have walked in darkness.
You have sent us out to live and work for Christ,
and we have turned in on ourselves.
You have welcomed us into your family as your children,
but we have abused your trust.
In so much we have failed you.
Forgive us.
We thank you that you are a merciful God,
slow to anger and full of constant love.
Though we have forsaken you,
you never forsake us.
However often we may stray from your side,
you keep on seeking us out,
intent on restoring a relationship with us.
Yet despite your goodness, somehow we never learn,
time and again making the same old mistakes.
In so much we have failed you.
Forgive us.
So we pray once more,
forgive,
cleanse,
renew and restore us.
Open our hearts to your redeeming touch,
open our eyes to your amazing grace,
and so help us to amend our faults
and to live more truly as your people.
In so much we have failed you.
Forgive us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.