These confessional prayers were created to accompany the Epiphany sermon series “The Gifts of Faith.” The bolded words are spoken by the 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: “Gift Exchange”
Holy Christ, forgive us when we give up on your power to transform our lives, holding you at arm’s length and hiding from your glory. Forgive us when we are content with things the way they are, as long as we are comfortable enough. Like the magi, make us curious instead about what you are doing in our world; guide us seek out your presence; and inspire us to walk a different path this year, following in your footsteps and becoming ever more the people you would have us be. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Week 2: “The Gift of the Spirit”
Living God, in your mercy, forgive us
when we want to take your comfort but reject your challenge
cling to your steadfastness but refuse transformation
accept your support but not your guidance.
Remind us that our baptism is of water and fire both
and that the gift of your Holy Spirit
gives us courage to live fully into your will.
In the name of your son, whom you love and we follow. Amen.
Week 3: “The Gift of Community”
Holy God, you name us as beloved; we do not believe it.
You create all people in your image; we do not see it
You lavish your creation upon us; we do not take care of it.
You send your Spirit upon us; we hold our tongues.
You call us to be courageous and compassionate; we choose comfort.
You place us into community; we try to go it alone.
You wait for us; we run away.
You free us; we hide from you.
You forgive us; we do not trust you.
In the name of your son, our Savior, have mercy on us and bring us to new life. Amen.
Week 4: “The Gift of Scripture”
Author of life, forgive us,
when we have treated your Holy Scripture
like a dried-up fossil or a quaint artifact,
an embarrassing relic or a pious decoration.
Give us courage to face your Holy Word squarely,
to wrestle and wonder, ponder and pray,
to listen for the voices of our ancestors,
and search for your living wisdom on every page.
In the name of your son, the Word made flesh, we pray. Amen.
Week 5: “The Gift of Love”
Patient God, forgive us
for all our fancy talk of love
when we barely live it;
for watering down love
into something pleasant and personal
when you call us to love the world;
for walling ourselves off from love
when it is offered to us;
for loving the word love
and not loving you who are Love.
Have mercy on us, and fill our hearts,
with the kind of love that can change the world. Amen.
Week 6: “The Gift of Worship”
Eternal Lord, forgive us
when worship becomes a mere matter of routine;
an offering of our lips, but not our hearts.
Shock us again into awe of your majesty.
Give us a ravenous hunger for your Word.
Drench us with your mysterious presence.
All this we pray in the name of Christ,
who knew first-hand the heights of your glory,
yet worshipped you as his beloved Father. Amen.
Week 7: “The Gift of Warnings”
Gracious God, we confess
that we have been guilty of devious hearts
that want only comfort, and never challenge
We have misused our freedom,
insisted on our own way,
and ignored your commandments.
We have been greedy for your blessing
but rejected your caution.
Test our minds and search our hearts,
and help us to balance our lives
that we may live within the order you set out for us.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Week 8: “The Gift of Resurrection Mystery”
Gracious God, forgive us for living
like tomorrow doesn’t matter
For abusing creation,
neglecting relationships,
exhausting ourselves,
putting faith last.
Teach us to live as if our labors aren’t for nothing
but are part of your eternal purpose to redeem the world.
Invite us into your resurrection life.
In the name of Christ, who paved the way. Amen.
Week 9: “The Gift of Revelation”
Saving Christ, forgive us for our partiality to a certain kind of greatness—the greatness of shine and spectacle, of power and privilege, of mountaintop moments where we feel above it all. Teach us to see your greatness, too, in the places and people that feel like the least—in crowds crying out for help, in children reaching out for comfort, in the everyday hustle and hurts of living. Open our eyes, Lord, to your glory in every place: the glory of your love, justice, and strength, hidden in each of us who are your hands here and now. Amen.
Deep Well Worship 