These unison confessional prayers were created to accompany the sermon series “Easter People.” 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: “Thomas”
Creator God, you have instilled in us
so many different gifts and strengths.
Forgive us when we value only some,
insist upon our own ways,
or envy the strengths of others.
Teach us to welcome all into the family of faith,
and to lift up differences,
as evidence of your divine creativity.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Week 2: “Paul”
God of all, forgive us
for the lines we draw
between “us” and “them;”
for the despair we give into
about whether our world can ever really change;
for the violence our culture swims in,
turns a blind eye to,
even sympathizes with.
Forgive us for rebuilding the walls you broke down
out of fear, anger, or hubris.
Change our hearts, and give us courage
to change the hearts of others,
that all may be filled with your love. Amen.
Week 3: “Tabitha”
Creator God, forgive us
when we do not see the value
in the work we do;
when we think we are not precious;
when we brush off the difference we make
in the lives of others.
Help us to own our lives of discipleship,
proudly following your call
and committing explicitly
to love our neighbors,
ourselves,
and you.
In Christ we pray. Amen.
Week 4: “Peter”
Jesus Christ, Lord of all, we confess
that we try to get in your way
with our carefully drawn lines
our closed doors
our constant refusals
our cries of “unclean!”
Open our eyes to visions of your love,
that gathers all creation into your arms.
Inspire us to be helpers in building your kingdom,
and to laugh at the idea
that we ever tried to hinder you.
By the Spirit, renew us, we pray. Amen.
Week 5: “Lydia”
Jesus Christ, God with us, we confess
that we are drawn to the glamorous examples of faith:
famous saints and memorable martyrs,
but that we take less notice
of the faithful workers
whose constant efforts build your kingdom
day by day, word by word, choice by choice, act by act.
Teach us to celebrate these steady, quiet, faithful ones,
to see them, know them, love them,
and when you call us, become them.
In your name we pray. Amen.
Deep Well Worship 