Confession and Forgiveness

On Sunday I had the opportunity to be with the people of St. John Lutheran Church in Elkton. They used a really great order of Confession and Forgiveness that morning at the start of the service. It may be from Sundays and Seasons but I didn't notice any copyright information in the bulletin.

Here's the text...

P: Loving God,

All: we confess that we have turned from your way to follow our own ways. Forgive us for the times we have spoken or acted too quickly; we have not spoken or acted at all; we have hurt those closest to us; we have hurt those we have yet to know; we have thought more of ourselves that others; we have thought less of ourselves that we ought. Turn is around, and give us a fresh start, so that we can live again as your children. Amen. 

P: Even when we have done wrong, God makes us right. Even when we have messed up, God puts us together. God's love never runs out. God never tires us calling us beloved children. Hear God say to you now: Your sins are forgiven.

Isn't that powerful? I think it would be great for collective use for worship but also even to use individually as a tool for reflection.

Photo from last fall's "Fall Peace Tour"