CATHERINE HIONS
Stouffville United Church
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Prayer of Confession:
Merciful God, we [will soon] hear the story of David and wonder how he could so abuse his power—serving his own interests in such a selfish way. How different from the way Jesus used his power—serving, healing and nurturing others.
Forgive us when our actions reflect those of David more than those of Jesus.
The account of David shows someone yielding to temptation by feeding his own particular hunger with disastrous results, whilst Jesus took time to feed the crowds with miraculous results.
Forgive us the times when we have yielded to the temptation of feeding our own interests to the detriment of others around us.
David demonstrated how things can get out of control when God’s rules are not followed, while Jesus demonstrates how God’s power can bring peace even into the stormiest situations.
We confess that the way of the world does reflect more the way of David than the way of Jesus, and we pray that we may be powerfully strengthened by the Holy Spirit to witness to Jesus’ love and compassion in and through all we do and say. This we pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Words of Assurance:
Through the power of the Holy Spirit within us, God is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. So, hear and believe the good news that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
written by Moira Laidlaw, on Liturgies Online.