Confession Cycle: Before the Manger

These confessional prayers were created to accompany the Advent sermon series “Before the Manger: Advent With the People Who Lived It.” 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.”

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Week 1: “Mary”

God of surprises, forgive us
when we are closed off to your Spirit;
when we no longer believe your promises;
when we go through the motions
but have stopped listening for your voice.
Awaken our hearts and our hopes
that we might work hand-in-hand with you
as we await your kingdom come. 
Amen. 

Week 2: “Joseph“

God of surprises, forgive us
when we are too sure of the right thing to do;
when we let our living faith fossilize;
when we put rules above relationships. 
Awaken our hearts and our hopes
that we might work hand-in-hand with you
as we await your kingdom come. 
Amen. 

Week 3: “Shepherds“

God of surprises, forgive us
when we resent your disruptions to our plans;
when we get comfortable with cynicism and joylessness; 
when we think we are not the right people for your mission. 
Awaken our hearts and our hopes
that we might work hand-in-hand with you
as we await your kingdom come. 
Amen. 

Week 4: “Magi“

God of surprises, forgive us
when we neglect to even look for your signs;
when we let our assumptions pull us from your purpose; 
when we are too busy for your holy adventures. 
Awaken our hearts and our hopes
that we might work hand-in-hand with you
as we await your kingdom come. 
Amen.