Prayer 2078: Confession and Lament

In silence and stillness,
we bow before you, O God.
In your compassion, O Merciful One,
accept our our prayers and intercessions
as we lay our cares and confessions at your feet.

We pray for our waywardness and hardness of heart
that blinds us to the wounds of others;
may we be pierced by the empathy that Jesus exemplifies
as we seek to work reconciliation in his name.

We pray that we may see that the little one in faith
whom we are called to welcome
may be the person who makes us uncomfortable;
may we examine our discomfort
as a call to growth.

May we denounce those who mock the torment of others,
who define suffering as justice,
or degrade the vulnerable;
for peace and honor cannot be built
on a foundation of pain.

We pray that we may have the courage to stand with the oppressed,
to overcome hatred and contempt
with love's power and goodness, Lord Christ.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
stretch forth your healing hand over us,
and over all for whom we pray, O Savior.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1699

Lord God, Heavenly King, we praise You for your mercy and loving-kindness in bringing us to this day. 

May we labor with humility in your service, O God, going forth with joy, carrying our sheaves. 
May we acknowledge our wrongs and turn from our errors, seeking reconciliation with penitent hearts. 
May we plant justice in the heart of every nation, and let our lives tell out the wondrous grace of your love. 
May we rejoice in your creation, and walk gently upon the earth, tending it in gentleness and gratitude. 

In your tender love, lean over us and guide us, O Holy One, holding us in the hollow of your hand. We ask your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.
1004

Prayer 1501: First Sunday in Lent

In humility and repentance, let us pray.

This is the day that the Lord has made: let us answer the call to reconciliation and worship with open hearts.

Forgive us, O Creator, for our transgressions and rebellions,
that we may be reconciled to You and each other.
In contrition and humility, we turn to You and repent,
for love of You, O Lord, should be the aim of our lives.
Align us again to your will, O God, and not our own,
that we may restore justice and peace within ourselves and our communities.
Renew us in fellowship and compassion,
and clothe us in holiness and love, we humbly pray.

Enfolded within your grace, O God,
may we remember again your promises of mercy,
and embody that promise in our hearts.
Send your angels to abide with those who are weary or worried,
and comfort and strengthen those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1498- in penitence

Winter grasses.

(inspired by the Litany of Penitence for Ash Wednesday, BCP 267)
Holy God, the Author of our Souls, who inscribed your grace and peace in our hearts, we bow before You in gratitude. May we rededicate our hearts to serve God's kingdom with joy and holiness, to the glory of God's Name. Open our hearts anew to your call to serve, Holy One, that we may serve Christ in one another. May we be true to the mind of Christ, proclaiming justice for the oppressed and hope for the weary. May we be led by the Holy Spirit, surrendering our willfulness and trusting fully in You, O God. Redeem us and bless us, O Creating Spirit, and pour out your blessing over those we raise before You.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1137 in penitence

Jesus heals the leper. Melchior Doze, 1864.

Let us be still before the Lord, waiting patiently for the light of God. 

Holy One, we humbly pray for forgiveness for our sins, for our impatience and grudges, our refusal to trust in your mercy. 
We pray for our failures, of You and of each other, that we may turn back from our stubborn hardness of heart. 
We have sought preferment over community, & offered our backs rather than our hand to those in need: forgive us, Lord. 
We have scattered the children's food to the dogs of war and strife: may we repent of our folly. 

Merciful God, rend open our hearts that they may shine forth with your love. Take us by the hand and lead us into living your truth in our lives, Holy One, that we may be witnesses to your shalom. Rest your hand of blessing over those suffering in body, mind, or spirit, and give your angels charge over those we now name.

Amen.
759

Prayer 759- Prayer of Penitence

Let us be still before the Lord, waiting patiently for the light of God. 

Holy One, we humbly pray for forgiveness for our sins, for our impatience and grudges, our refusal to trust in your mercy. 
We pray for our failures, of You and of each other, that we may turn back from our stubborn hardness of heart. 
We have sought preferment over community, & offered our backs rather than our hand to those in need: forgive us, Lord. 
We have scattered the children's food to the dogs of war and strife: may we repent of our folly. 

Merciful God, rend open our hearts that they may shine forth with your love. Take us by the hand and lead us into living your truth in our lives, Holy One, that we may be witnesses to your shalom. Rest your hand of blessing over those suffering in body, mind, or spirit, and give your angels charge over those we now name.

Amen.