These unison confessional prayers were created to accompany the Lenten sermon series “Meeting Jesus.” 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: “When Satan Met Jesus”
Merciful God, we come to you
with Lenten repentance.
Turn our heads from all the things that tempt us—
power, possessions, perfection.
Keep our eyes trained on Christ
as he makes his way to the cross.
Teach us to strip away everything
that does not glorify you,
so that our whole lives
may be a sign and symbol of your grace.
Amen.
Week 2: “When Nicodemus Met Jesus”
Compassionate God, we confess
that we too often forget we are yours.
We carry on our lives as if there were no God,
and fail to be credible witnesses to you.
Forgive us; strengthen us; renew us.
Mold us into the people you would have us be,
regardless of what we are doing or who we are with.
Amen.
Week 3: “When the Samaritan Woman Met Jesus”
Living Water, we confess
that there are days we would rather die of thirst
than let you get too close to us.
We would rather not hear your voice.
We would rather not know your truth.
We would rather not follow your ways.
Remind us again that your judgment is tempered with mercy,
your laws with love,
and your commandments with compassion.
We do not have to be perfect
to be perfectly loved by you.
So give us courage to ask for Living Water,
and to drink deeply of all you have to offer.
Amen.
Week 4: “When the Blind Man Met Jesus”
Healing God, we confess
that we have busied ourselves
with the sins of others.
We have been eager to judge,
condemn, and cast out.
We have chosen words and actions
that break down our communities.
Forgive us, Lord, and restore in us
the kind of sight that sees each person
as your beloved.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Week 5: “When Martha and Mary Met Jesus”
Merciful Lord, you are our Life.
And yet we treat you as an addendum to our lives,
just one piece among many.
We run around distracted by everything
but your call on our lives.
Center us again.
Help us to recognize how we need you every moment.
Restore in us the life that is really life.
Amen.
Week 6: “When Jerusalem Met Jesus” (Palm Sunday)
Jesus Messiah, we confess
that we are baffled by your glory.
We long for the glory
of the cheering crowds,
the songs of praise,
the hero worship.
Yet your glory is not in popularity,
but sacrifice.
Help us to see loving others
as a greater glory than being adored.
Teach us to turn from the crowds to the cross
when we are called to do so.
In your mercy, help us not to leave your side.
Amen.
Week 7: “When Mary Magdalene Met Jesus” (Easter)
Risen Lord, we celebrate your rising
but find it hard to believe
in new life for ourselves.
We cling to what has been,
and dismiss dreams
of what could be.
Help your church come alive
with resurrection strength.
Teach us to speak life
to all who weep.
Make us your Easter people again.
Amen.
Deep Well Worship 