Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Pray: for a fresh start
In the Hebrew Bible reading from Jeremiah this week, the prophet speaks to those who have been exiled, promising them a different future where God’s will for them would be written on their very hearts. God offers a fresh start. As you reflect on your joy and the world’s need this week, you’re going to need a fresh start, too. Perhaps you can find it by reflecting on the language of the Confession and Forgiveness for this season below, or the words of Psalm 51 above. If you choose to pray the psalm, make its words them into a breath prayer by inhaling for the first half of each line, holding that breath for a moment, and then releasing it on the second half of the line. Repeat that prayer three times. Notice how your body responds throughout this time of prayer.
Call to Confession
People of God, the Merciful One already knows everything we confess. By naming our sins and hearing words of forgiveness, we are drawn deeper into relationship with God and one another.
Let’s bring before God what we have done wrong and what we’ve failed to do, trusting that we will receive the joy of being forgiven.
Brief silence for reflection.
Prayer of Confession
God of abundant goodness, we have hurt those we love, those far from us, ourselves, and your creation by what we do and by what we neglect. We cling to disappointments, judgments, and failures and refuse to enjoy what you give. We are too content when injustice, violence, and hardship plague our neighbors. We ignore the gift of your presence in times both tragic and triumphant. Forgive us for what we have done and for what we have failed to do. Pour out on us the joy of your presence and heal what we have harmed.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Receive these joyful words: You are entirely and completely forgiven for all of your sins.
You are entirely and completely welcomed as God’s beloved child. You are released to live out God’s love in a world that needs such joy. Amen.