These confessional prayers were created to accompany the Advent sermon series “Joy to the World.” The bold text is spoken by the whole congregation. 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: “The Heart Prepares”
Prayer of Confession
Gracious Lord, we confess to giving up hope. You have not come back—not in the glory we expect—and we have given up hoping. We confess too, that we are not entirely comfortable with the idea of your return. As we are, we would rather not face you in your fullness. We would rather not deal with the change you would bring. Restore our courage and refresh our vision, that we would look not just back to the manger but forward to your kingdom. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Week 2: “The Earth Resounds“
Prayer of Confession
Merciful Lord, we confess to a narrow view of your love.
We claim it for ourselves, but neglect to extend it
to the world you so love.
You set us to care for the earth,
but we have been determined to conquer it.
We have destroyed species created by your hand,
stripped the mountains that sing your praise,
and polluted the skies so we cannot see your stars.
Give us fresh determination
to nourish and preserve the earth, the seas, the skies,
and all that grows and lives on this planet,
that we may with one clean and clear voice
sing praises to the glory of our Creator.
In the name of Jesus, our God who walked the earth, we pray.
Amen.
Week 3: “The Curse Recedes“
Prayer of Confession
Merciful Lord, we confess
to sins that stretch back as far as we can remember.
We do the very thing we mean not to do.
We mess up even with the best intentions.
We find ourselves stuck between hurtful choices
with no way to make everything okay.
Free us, God, from the sins that trick and trap us.
Let us loose, so that we can free others,
and bless the world with new ways of living.
In your son’s holy name we pray. Amen.
Week 4: “The Ruler Loves“
Prayer of Confession
Savior of the Nations, we confess
that we have not learned the lesson of your incarnation.
You came without the power of armies, wealth, or status,
but with the power of love, grace, and truth.
We cling to division and violence,
even while we praise you as the Prince of Peace.
Shape us more closely in your image,
that with humble words and servant hearts,
we might change the world a little at a time,
until the whole earth rejoices
in the wonders of your love. Amen.
Deep Well Worship 