Prayer Of Confession, May 5, 2024
Gracious God, you have rightly said that there will always those who are in need on the earth. Yet, you have also commanded us to open our hands to the poor, that there should be no one in need among us; and in this way we will be recognized as blessed, as your own favored people. You have made your will known that we should lend freely to many, but never borrow; yet we have become deeply indebted, spending beyond our means and binding ourselves to other masters. Forgive us, O Lord! For you are aware of our inner thoughts. You know when we are giving and when we are grudging; when we are eager and zealous to obey you, and when we are hard-hearted, tightfisted, and mean. Forgive us, merciful God, for failing to show mercy as we should, for every selfish act, for every hostile thought. We have incurred guilt, and we would learn anew, from your great generosity, to produce an overflowing harvest of thanksgiving to you! This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen