The following originally appeared as part of "Grounded and Growing—Bearing Fruit Week 4: Patience."
Call to Confession
God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. No matter the weight of sin we carry, no matter how easy it is for us to mess things up, no matter how often we fall, God is waiting, ready at all times to offer us forgiveness and grace. Let us turn to God now, ready to unburden our hearts, eager to receive his mercy.
Prayer of Confession
Faithful God,
we confess to you our lack of faith.
We do not trust your guidance;
we do not like to wait;
so we impatiently try to get ahead of your plans for us,
carving out our own paths instead of trusting in you.
In our hurry, we grow impatient with others,
speaking harshly and unfairly to those we love.
In our desire to get ahead, we grow envious
of those who have much,
and bitter about those who acquire
wealth and status through evil means.
Forgive our impatience, God.
Forgive our lack of trust.
Forgive us for not being content with our lot.
Help us to place our lives in your hands,
and trust that you are leading us to green pastures
and still waters.
We pray this in the name of Jesus,
the good shepherd.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news:
There is no God like our God,
who does not hold a record of our wrongs,
but who wipes the slate clean.
Our God does not nurse his anger,
but moves quickly to mercy,
for mercy is at the heart of who God is.
Receive the mercy of God,
and be assured of the forgiveness of your sins,
for God is faithful to his people,
from generation to generation.
—Micah 7:18–20, adapt.
Song of Thanksgiving
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” Chisholm
