A Holy Week Confession of Sin

We read this confession together at church Sunday. The congregation read non-italic words and our Pastor read the words in italics. A bar or two of piano where the notes are. I want to try to remember to read this on my own throughout the year:

Lord of mercy and grace,
I confess my unfaithfulness,

so willing, like ancient jerusalem,
to raise cheers of loyalty and praise,
yet before a week runs its course,
to drive deep the spikes of sin.

Forgive my unfaithfulness, O Lord my King

I confess my worldliness,

so deserving of your displeasure,
when I let my life become a temple of merchandise,
in place of a house of prayer to the Father.

Forgive my worldliness, O Holy Lord.

I confess my duplicity,

by confusing duty to Caesar
with my supreme duty to You.

Forgive my duplicity, O High King of Heaven.

I confess my pride,

in overlooking the heartfelt gifts of the poor and widows,
or despising the lavish love poured out, as from alabaster.

Forgive my pride, O friend of sinners.

I confess my hypocrisy,

in public display of outward rules and religion
while neglecting the inside of the cup,
a heart full of greed and self-indulgence.

Forgive my hypocrisy, O searcher of the heart.

I confess my poor stewardship,

idly looking for signs of the end of the world,
when I should be investing my talents in building your Kingdom.

Forgive my poor stewardship, O coming Judge.

I confess my betrayals,

willing to compromise my discipleship,
for a few pieces of silver.

Forgive my betrayals, O Faithful Shepherd.

I confess my wrong ambitions,

seeking a place of power and influence,
instead of the servant’s place, washing the feet of my brethren

Forgive my wrong ambitions, O Servant King.

I confess my fleshly independence,

when you call me to abide int he True vine,
with love and peace from the Holy Spirit.

Forgive my fleshly independence, O Prince of Life.

I confess my spiritual sluggishness,

slumbering through the great spiritual battles,
when I should stay alert to the enemy’s temptations.

Forgive my spiritual sluggishness, O Great High Priest.

I confess my cowardice,

intimidated by the world,
afraid to risk in taking a stand for you
with bitter regret I pray,

Forgive my cowardice, O Lamb of God.

I confess my passiveness,

washing my hands rather than face responsibility,
becoming thus complicit in your cross.

Forgive my passiveness, O Crucified One.