A Prayer of Confession, Responding to Lamentations 1:1-11.
O Merciful God, we bring our confession to you that we have sinned grievously, just like our forefathers. We have struggled with unfaithfulness toward you, and have violated your commands in impulsive, shameful ways with no thought of our future. History has made it clear that sin doesn’t win. It doesn’t pay off. It doesn’t result in a happy ending. Instead, the wages of sin is death. The penalty for rebellion is judgment. You are too good and just to allow sin go unpunished. But we are hard of hearts, and slow to listen.
So we come to you, to make a full confession, and to seek your mercy. Please forgive us for listening to the lies of sin, instead of the truth of your word. Sin promises to be like a strong, charming husband – but it leaves us like a widow. Sin promises to give us a crown, but it makes us a slave. Sin promises to be a friend, but it betrays us. Sin promises to give us a kingdom that we can rule over, instead of God, but in reality it makes us a fugitive and sends us into exile. Sin promises to be a festival of celebration, but it leaves us alone, groaning in our affliction. Sin promises to give us power, but it makes us powerless before our enemies.
We confess our unbelief. We confess our wicked foolishness, for being naïve about the deceitfulness and danger of sin. We confess our pride, that we have thought we could have a better life on our own, then living under your rule and reign. We confess our guilt, and our need for your grace. As we bring our confession to you, and turn from our wrongs to the cross of Christ, please assure us again of the forgiveness that you have provided through your Son. It’s in his name we pray, AMEN.
