A Walk in the Dark: Confessional Cycle

These confessional prayers were created to accompany the Advent sermon series “A Walk in the Dark.” 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.”

Call to Confession (repeated each week)

Sin tells us we can never slow down; never stop running; never find rest. Yet God prepares a safe place for us, where mercy flows and love glows like a nightlight in the darkness. Trusting in the God who sent us the only Son, let us confess and come home.  

---

Week 1: “A Walk in the Dark”

Merciful Lord, we confess we have shied away from the light of your presence. We have not wanted you to see us fully. We have not wanted to expose our petty vengeances, our casual greed, or our faithless thoughts. We would rather you see the Christmas card version of ourselves, than the whole messy, murky truth. Shine, nevertheless. Shine on what is wrong, that together we may work on making it right. Shine on what is right, that together we may celebrate our incarnate beauty. Shine until the whole world is alight with the glow of your goodness. All this we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Week 2: “In the Shadows”

Merciful Lord, we confess that in our obsession with what is big and bright, we often miss your gentler blessings in our life. Dreaming of all we don’t have, we miss appreciating the simple gifts that surround us. Wanting to stand apart, we forget to value your companionship. Rushing around, we fail to rest in you. Overshadow us, Lord, that we might know that you are near, and that we are safe in you. Amen. 

Week Three: “What We Can Only See in the Dark“

Merciful Lord, the darkness is not dark to you. When we think we have hidden ourselves away, still you come seeking us. When we can get away with a faith that lives only on the surface, you come to stir us up. When we think that you do not need us, you come and ask the impossible. Awaken us, God, with dreams and visions of the world that could be. Give us strength to step into the darkness with you, and to shine your light. Amen. 

Week Four: “To See a Great Light”

Merciful Lord, we confess that we have been eager for a light that shines on us alone. We have wanted to stand in the spotlight, glowing with praise, with ease, with importance. Remind us that your light is not just for us, for our family or our church or our country, but for all people who walk in darkness. Teach us to rejoice that we are not alone, whether we stand in darkness or in light. Amen. 

---

Assurance of Forgiveness (repeated each week)

Hear the good news! The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 
From his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. Alleluia! Amen.