These unison confessional prayers were created to accompany the Lenten sermon series “ReLent. Restore. Renew.” You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”
Week 1: “A New World”
Merciful God, we confess that we have not acted as people of the covenant. We have abused authority, eschewed relationship, and avoided responsibility. We have exploited the earth, elevated violence, and ignored your promises. Restore us to a right relationship with you and with all the earth; renew the raw, scorched places of our world and of our souls. Plant in us your grace and mercy which never fail. We pray in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. (moment of silent reflection)
Week 2: “A New Family”
Patient Lord, forgive us for the things we have done and not done. Forgive us for the words we have said and not said. Forgive us for the life we have lived and not lived. Renew our trust in your guidance, that we might reflect the image of the One we profess to follow in thought, word and deed, and in discovering our true selves draw others into that light. In Christ’s name do we pray. Amen. (moment of silent reflection)
Week 3: “A New Law”
Living God, we confess that we have made idols
of all the things we lavish with our time and attention.
We have run slipshod over your Sabbath,
as if the world would stop turning without us.
and upheld divisions and hatred in our communities.
We have let respect and relationship fall by the wayside.
Remind us again that we are your beloved, capable of more;
capable of reflecting your love and care.
We pray in the name of Christ, who came to fulfill the law,
and to embody your grace. Amen. (moment of silent reflection)
Week 4: “A New Purpose”
Merciful God, you call us to love as you love, care as you care, and to seek justice, mercy and truth in a world that longs to know the warmth of your embrace. But we work against your purpose for us, drawing back from those in need, saying nothing when we see injustice, crumbling under the weight of our own wants. Forgive us, and bring us to life—the kind of whole-hearted, courageous, compassionate life you showed us how to live in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.(moment of silent reflection)
Week 5: “A New Heart”
Merciful God, we confess that we have tried to keep you at a distance. We have imagined that you could be fooled by outward piety and appearances. Remind us of the depth of your love, love that does not rest until you know us inside and out. Give us courage in the knowledge of your love, that we might seek a new righteousness in you. Amen. (moment of silent reflection)
Week 6: “A New Story” (Palm/Passion Sunday)
Holy Christ, this is the week we cheer you on a Sunday, fail you on a Thursday, betray you on a Friday, and creep away on a Saturday. Yet this is the week you ride into danger for us, establish a new covenant of grace for us, pray for us, and die for us. As we walk through your redemption story this week, send your spirit on us, so that we may know how we have failed, but also know how much more we are forgiven. In the name of the One who stopped at nothing to save us from sin, we offer our prayers. (moment of silent reflection)
Week 7: “A New Creation” (Easter)
Risen Christ, we confess today that we struggle to believe your Easter promise. You have shattered our chains, yet we are afraid to move. You have given us new life, yet we continue stubbornly on old paths. You have poured your love out for us, yet we are afraid to love others. Give us the courage to leave behind the shadows of the tomb and walk boldly with you into the light of your new creation. We pray in your most holy name. Amen. (moment of silent reflection)
Deep Well Worship 