Prayer of Confession - January 23, 2011

Each year, from January 18-25, the UCC observes a week of prayer for Christian
unity. Our congregation, St. Nicolai UCC, has a "Service of Prayer for Christian Unity" during this week, and I write at least one new prayer for the service each year. This responsive prayer is our prayer of confession for January 23, 2011.

Prayer of Confession
Leader: One and Only God, we rejoice in You.
People: Thank You for coming among us in Jesus Christ, who is Head
of the church.
Leader: You have revealed yourself to us as Three-in-One – a great mystery
to us, but also a deep source of comfort.
People: So we worship You as Sovereign, Savior and Sustainer.
Leader: You are One.
People: Amen!
Leader: You have created unity among us through Christ Jesus, your Living
Word.
People: Hallelujah!
Leader: You have united us with You through Christ Jesus in whom your
fullness dwells.
People: Hallelujah! Amen!
Leader: In spite of all You have done to join our lives together and link
them with You, we have turned from You, and from each other, to
go our own ways, and assert our own will.
People: Forgive us for our rebelliousness.
Leader: We have wounded the body of Christ by our stubborn selfishness.
People: Forgive us for failing to recognize Christ’s body and the harm
we have done to it.
Leader: We have refused to let the mind of Christ be formed in us, refused
to serve each other in joyful obedience.
People: Forgive us for placing our own interests above those of the
church of Christ.
Leader: Do not give up on us or abandon us Patient One.
People: But soften our hard hearts and heal us by your grace.
Leader: You are able when we are unable!
People: Unite us fully in Christ!
All: We hope and trust in You! Amen.