Confession (Forgive Us Our Sins)
This part should take approximately 20 minutes.
Read by Leader
In previous sessions we've confessed and repented of our sins. We've also confessed the sin of our nation including the fact that we are also guilty of being party to that sin. Now we will ask forgiveness for the sins of our enemies and all those who have sinned against us.
Notes
Everyone pray one of these prayers until we pray all four prayers (Portfolio of Scripture, page 7c-2)
All Together
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (Acts 7:60)
I pray to you God, that it be not laid to their charge (2 Timothy 4:16)
Lord, we forgive everyone that is indebted to us (Luke 11:4)
Read by Designated Note Reader
A pretty good trade off. We forgive and ask that God forgives our enemies then God forgives our sins.
Read by Leader
Now in obedience to the Lord we continue by mentioning offenses toward us and our nation and tell the Lord that you forgive them and ask Him to do the same.
Read by Designated Note Reader
This doesn't mean that we don't help our nation prosecute a just war and it doesn't mean we don't rebuke in love a person that has done wrong toward us.
Notes
Each person tells God that all offenses committed toward you are forgiven. Be specific and don't gloss over anything. (This is required by God for Him to forgive your sins...isn't that a drag!)
Read by Leader
Now the hymn. Make a noise, beauty not required, joyful is. (Psalm 100:1) See "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow", sing all verses.
Notes
Sing noisy hymn. "Praise God from Whom" also known as the "Doxsology"