A prayer of confession

John the Baptist spoke about ways in whichThe one who was to come should have His

way prepared.We will think about these ways as we say

sorry to GodFor the things that we have done, said and

thoughtWhich have not pleased Him.

Let us pray.

A prayer of confession

Lord, this time of year is one of preparation,When we seek to make readyFor the coming of Jesus.Yet if we imagine ourselves listening to John

the Baptist,We shrink back, because there are things in

our livesThat show clearly that we are not ready for

Jesus.

A prayer of confession

Isaiah prophesied ‘Fill in the valleys.’Lord, forgive us when we prefer the

easy wayTo doing what is right.

He said ‘level the mountains.’Lord, forgive us when we do or say thingsWhich make it hard for others to

believe in Jesus.

A prayer of confession

He said ‘Make the crooked straight.’Lord, forgive us when we play games

with the truth.

He said ‘Make the rough places smooth.’Lord, forgive us when we speak or

actWithout considering the feelings

of others.

A prayer of confession

A prayer of confession

We thank You, Lord, that when Jesus came,He preached forgiveness for those who were

truly sorry.Thank You for His gracious words,‘Your sins are forgiven.’Help us to make a new start today,Showing by the ways in which we speak,

think and act,That we are really making ready

for Jesus.Amen

A prayer of confession