Confession (Forgive Us Our Sins)
This part should take approximately 20 minutes.
Read by Leader
Who will read 1 John 1:6-10?
Read by Volunteer
⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Read by Leader
We now confess our sins to the Lord and each other (not mentioning these things outside of the group) by praying together from the Book of Common Prayer, Item # 9.
All Together
ALMIGHTY, and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore Thou those who are penitent; According to Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of Thy hole Name. Amen.
Read by Leader
Each one may now take this time to confess any sins that you desire forgiveness, knowing full well that Christ has already covered it by His shed blood. Confess any works of the flesh such as: lust, pride, deceit, over-eating/drinking, excess TV watching, vanity, unloving as a spouse, laziness…and that’s just for starters. I will begin.
Read by Designated Note Reader
Be candid. Remember that you are a lot worse than you think. Confess sin out loud. As you bring sins into the light, Satan and your flesh lose their grip. What a relief! (1John 1:6-7)
Read by Leader
Now let's attempt to share a hymn together. Who will choose from hymns section (or favorite)? Everyone should sing regardless if only a "joyful noise".